Gavin Newsom curiously says little on Eric Swalwell sex assault scandal

Gavin Newsom may have the biggest microphone in California politics, but the governor has been noticeably meek in commenting on the horrifying sexual assault scandal involving Rep. Eric Swalwell — who until last week was the leading Democrat to succeed Newsom in office.

Swalwell suspended his campaign Sunday and submitted his immediate resignation from Congress on Tuesday following reports by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN detailing allegations from several women that included harassment, sexual assault and rape.

The governor’s office did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday, just hours after another woman publicly stepped forward to accuse Swalwell of drugging, choking and raping her.

Newsom’s lone statement on the disturbing allegations against Swalwell came Sunday, hours before Swalwell ended his campaign.

“As we continue to learn more, these allegations from multiple sources are deeply troubling and must be taken seriously,” said Newsom, who has not endorsed anyone in the governor’s race.

In an interview last month, Newsom continued to duck commenting on the state of the race to succeed him as governor. 

“You know my position,” he said. “I don’t talk about this governor’s race.”

A crowded field of Democrats — even without Swalwell in the race — has potentially set the stage for two Republicans, former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, to emerge from the primary election in June. Progressive billionaire Tom Steyer and former congresswoman Katie Porter are now the leading Democrats in the race.

A Democratic political consultant, who spoke to The Post on the condition of anonymity, told The Post that Newsom’s muted response to the Swalwell saga was likely done to serve the governor’s own political interests.

“I assume that Gavin Newsom is doing what’s best for a presidential race right now, and engaging in this mess probably does not accrue to a presidential race,” the source said.

Among the four women who came forward with allegations against Swalwell last Friday, one former staffer alleged he raped her in a hotel in New York City in 2024, sparking an investigation from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. 

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Swalwell is also accused of lewd sexual acts such as sending nudes, harassing and turning up outside one woman’s home.

Lonna Drewes, a 50-year-old fashion company entrepreneur, accused Swalqwell of drugging and raping her in a tearful news conference Tuesday in Los Angles.

“He invited me to two public events. I knew he was married at the time and that his wife was pregnant,” Drewes said. “He was my friend. On the third occasion, I believe he drugged my drink. I only had one glass of wine.”

She said she went to Swalwell’s hotel room because he needed to grab some paperwork and by the time she got there she was “incapacitated.”

“I couldn’t move my arms over my body,” Drewes said. “He raped me, and he choked me.  And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness. I thought I died.”

Swalwell has denied allegations of sexual assault and rape while vaguely admitting to indiscretions. 

In a statement released by his TV star attorney Sara Azari, Swalwell on Tuesday denied the latest allegations. 

“Congressman Eric Swalwell categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled against him,” Azari said.

“The timing, nature, and coordinated rollout of these vile and heinous allegations speak for themselves. This is neither about justice, nor the truth.

“This is a ruthless and shameless attempt to smear Congressman Swalwell. Congressman Swalwell has devoted his career to defending the Constitution, protecting civil liberties, and standing up to those who abuse power.”