A former staffer has accused Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, a current candidate for California governor, of reportedly sexually assaulting her.

The allegations were first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.

The woman, who has not been publicly identified and worked for Swalwell for nearly two years, alleged she had sexual encounters while he was her boss, and he sexually assaulted her on two occasions when she was too intoxicated to consent, the Chronicle reported. The woman told the paper Swalwell began pursuing her weeks after she was hired at age 21 to work in the Democrat’s district in 2019.

The woman claimed Swalwell invited her for drinks in 2019, and during that encounter, she became too intoxicated to remember what happened. She alleged she woke up naked in his hotel bed, and following the incident, he distanced himself and their relationship eventually dissolved.

Five years later, in 2024, the woman alleged she attended a charity gala where Swalwell was honored. After the event, she said they met for drinks and she became intoxicated, but remembers only fragments of the night, including pushing him away and saying “no” as he allegedly forced himself on her. She texted a friend three days later, according to the Chronicle, saying she had been sexually assaulted by Swalwell.

In text messages, independently review by the Chronicle, the woman told her friend she “blacked out” but “woke up once during it and even told him to stop at one point.”

The Chronicle spoke with the woman’s friend and the woman’s ex-boyfriend, who she said she told about the alleged 2024 assault the following day. Both corroborated her story and described her as appearing disoriented. 

Medical records, according to the Chronicle, also show she sought pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease tests about a week after the incident.

The woman told the Chronicle she did not immediately tell authorities because she feared people wouldn’t believe she was telling the truth.

Swalwell, who has represented California’s 14th Congressional District since 2013 and launched his gubernatorial campaign earlier this year, strongly denied the claims in a statement Friday.

“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor. For nearly 20 years, I have served the public — as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women,” Swalwell said. “I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action. My focus in the coming days is to be with my wife and children and defend our decades of service against these lies.”

An attorney for Swalwell sent the woman a cease-and-desist letter on Thursday, according to the Chronicle, accusing her of making false claims of sexual assault and nonconsensual encounters, and warning that legal action would follow if she did not retract the allegations.

In a separate report, three other women spoke with CNN about alleged various kinds of sexual misconduct, including Swalwell sending them unsolicited inappropriate messages or photos. The messages, the women said, were often sent through Snapchat, which is a social media platform that allows messages to delete automatically and notifies users of screenshots.

“Some of the allegations I’ve seen, which is that we’ve had NDAs in the office — never. There’s never been an allegation, and there’s never been a settlement,” Swalwell told reporters Tuesday.

Political fallout

Swalwell’s campaign initially showed signs of strong momentum in the crowded California governor’s race to replace current Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has called the allegations “deeply troubling.”

“As we continue to learn more, these allegations from multiple sources are deeply troubling and must be taken seriously,” Newsom’s spokesperson said in a statement to MS NOW.

Swalwell’s campaign also benefited from backing from key Democratic allies, positioning him as a viable contender in a fragmented field with no clear front-runner.

But the reports of the allegations, along with separate unverified claims circulating online, have sparked backlash and prompted some political fallout, including campaign disruptions and heightened attention from rivals. Multiple people resigned from Swalwell’s orbit ahead of Friday’s scathing report of sexual assault, including Courtni Pugh, who served as a strategic adviser.

Rep. Jimmy Gomez , D-Calif., resigned as co-chair of Swalwell’s campaign, saying in part “he cannot in good conscience remain” in the role and suggesting that Swalell “should leave the race now.” Rep. Adam Gray, D-Calif., also resigned as campaign co-chair and called for Swalwell to suspend the campaign.

Other prominent Democrats also quickly began distancing themselves.

House Democrats issued a joint statement calling for a “swift investigation” and for Swalwell to end his bid.

“All perpetrators of sexual assault and harassment must be held accountable,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-NY wrote.

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared this an “extremely sensitive matter” and said she discussed with Swalwell that the investigation would be “best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”

Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said he is “deeply distressed” about the allegations surrounding Swalwell and immediately withdrew his endorsement.

“This woman was brave to come forward, and we should take her story seriously,” Schiff said on X. “I am withdrawing my endorsement immediately, and believe that he should withdraw from the race.”

Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., called the allegations “indefensible” and also immediately withdrew his endorsement of his longtime ally.

“Women who come forward with accounts like this deserve to be heard with respect, not questioned or dismissed. I regret having come to his defense on social media prior to knowing all the information. I am equally as shocked and upset about what has transpired,” Gallego wrote on X.

Two of Swalwell’s key labor allies, Service Employees International Union of California withdrew and California Teachers Association, retracted their support Friday, marking a significant blow to his campaign.

“The allegations are incredibly disturbing and unacceptable against Rep. Swalwell. We are immediately suspending our support. Our elected board will be meeting as soon as possible to follow our union’s democratic process to determine next steps,” the CTA said in a statement.

Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer said he commends “the brave former staffer who came forward with her story” about Swalwell.

“Speaking out is never easy, and her account must be taken seriously. At a moment like this, we must make sure that women are heard, and justice is pursued,” Steyer added.

Former Rep. Katie Porter called the allegation “horrifying,” adding she is thinking of the courageous women who have come forward to share their stories.”

The California Democratic Party labeled the allegations “deeply disturbing.”

“Any person engaged in misconduct must take responsibility and be held accountable for their actions — including a Member and candidate for Governor,” CADEM Chair Rusty Hicks said.

Swalwell’s Republican gubernatorial opponent, former Fox News host Steve Hilton, blasted Swalwell over the allegations in a statement to MS NOW.

“It’s incredible to me that Eric Swalwell thought he could run for Governor of California while all this was going on,” Hilton said in the statement. “It shows the complete contempt these career politicians have for the public.”

As of Friday evening, Swalwell’s fundraising page on ActBlue appeared to no longer be accepting donations.

Jillian Frankel and Syedah Asghar contributed to this report.

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