Congressman Eric Swalwell is facing sexual assault allegations from multiple women, a Manhattan District Attorney’s investigation and calls from top Democrats to end his campaign for California governor.
Four women — including a former staffer who claims the politician raped her — accused Swalwell in April 2026 of sexual misconduct and harassment. Swalwell has categorically denied all the allegations.
“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,” Swalwell said in a statement. “For nearly 20 years, I have served the public — as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women.”
Swalwell, a Democratic congressman representing California’s 14th congressional district, was the frontrunner in the 2026 race for California governor before the accusations made headlines.
Keep scrolling to learn more about the scandal and resulting investigation:
What Are the Allegations Against Eric Swalwell?
One of Eric Swalwell’s former staffer, who was 21 when she was hired, claimed that he attempted to pursue her romantically when she worked at his district office in Castro Valley, California, in 2019. She alleged he messaged her via Snapchat, sent her images of his genitals and sought nude pictures in return. She also claimed Swalwell tried to kiss her in her car and later asked her to perform oral sex on him.
The woman further alleged that Swalwell invited her out for drinks in September 2019, where she “blacked out” and allegedly woke up naked in Swalwell’s hotel bed, at which point she felt the effects of vaginal intercourse.
“I kept figuring out ways to blame myself: I shouldn’t have reached out to him at all, I should have left, I should have done this,” an anonymous alleged victim told CNN in April 2026. “Well, Eric shouldn’t have raped me.”
Another woman, Ally Sammarco, claimed that Swalwell offered to “share her resume” with other congressional offices before sending her “very inappropriate” messages via Snapchat. Two additional women also accused the congressman of sexual harassment and unwanted touching. All the women, sans Sammarco, wished to remain anonymous fearing retaliation.
Eric Swalwell’s Denial and Apology to His Wife
Eric Swalwell addressed the allegations in a social media video, while also apologizing to his wife, Brittany Watts.
“I do not suggest to you in any way that I am perfect or that I’m a saint. I have certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past,” he said in a social media video in April 2026. “Those mistakes are between me and my wife. And to her, I apologize deeply for putting her in this potion.”
Watts, who shares three children with Swalwell, has not publicly addressed the scandal.
Ally Sammarco’s Husband Reacts to the Scandal
Alleged victim Ally Sammarco‘s husband, Adam Parkhomenko responded directly to Swalwell’s denial video in April 2026.
“My wife’s name is Ally Sammarco. Obviously you know that, but she’s not named anonymous,” Parkhomenko, a Democratic strategist and former DNC National Field Director, wrote via X in April 2026. “She also went on the record with CNN so that hopefully this does not happen to other women and maybe it would help other women come forward.”
In a second statement, Parkhomenko added, “I would just like to reiterate that if Eric Swalwell and his attorney believe any statements that my wife and I have made are not true, he should sue us immediately.”
Democrats Call for Eric Swalwell to Drop Out of Governor’s Race
Prominent members of the Democratic Party publicly reacted to Eric Swalwell’s misconduct scandal in April 20226.
“This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability,” Nancy Pelosi said in a statement. “As I discussed with Congressman Swalwell, it is clear that this is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, meanwhile, issued a joint statement with Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar. They called for Swalwell to “immediately end his campaign to be California’s next governor.”
Adam Gray, a Democrat from California who served as a campaign cochair for Swalwell, also called the reports “deeply disturbing” and withdrew his support in the congressman’s gubernatorial race.
Manhattan DA Opens Investigation
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office launched an investigation into Eric Swalwell on April 11, 2026.
“We urge survivors and anyone with knowledge of these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373,” the DA’s office told CNN in a statement. “Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner.”
Us Weekly reached out to Swalwell’s communications director for comment.
Congressman Eric Swalwell’s Staff ‘Horrified’ By Sexual Misconduct Allegations
On the heels of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office opening an investigation into Congressman Eric Swalwell’s alleged misconduct, staffers from his 14th congressional district and the “Eric Swalwell for Governor 2026” campaign released a joint statement condemning him.
“As leaders of teams working for Eric Swalwell, we’re horrified by the recent reporting in the San Francisco Chronicle and by CNN,” they said. “We stand with our former colleague, and the other women who have come forward. We believe you should stand with them, too. The behavior detailed in these reports is abhorrent, beneath the dignity of those serving in public office and betrays the trust of all Californians.”
His staffers addressed why it was impossible for many of them to quit their jobs with Swalwell amid the ongoing scandal.
“We also understand that we lead teams who need guidance and stability now, more than ever. We are focused on supporting our colleagues during this challenging time,” they said in a joint statement.
“Any decision of staff members to remain in their roles in the interim should not be viewed as support for Eric Swalwell. “We recognize that not everyone — in particular our junior staff — can immediately forfeit their income and benefits without significant personal risk or consequence. Our responsibility now is to them.”
Their statement concluded, “We, more than he, understand that we have obligations to the people we lead and to the constituents of California’s 14th Congressional District. Those of us that remain on staff do so for the sole purpose of ensuring that as many of those obligations are fulfilled as possible.”
Us Weekly has reached out to Congressman Swalwell’s office for comment.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.
