Eric Swalwell’s campaign for California governor is facing increasing pressure after a former staffer accused him of sexual harassment, leading senior Democrats to demand an investigation and call on him to withdraw from the race.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the former colleague alleged that he had sexual relations with Swalwell when he was her boss and claimed that he sexually assaulted her twice when she was too intoxicated to consent.
In a statement, he said: “This extremely sensitive matter must be properly investigated with full transparency and accountability. As I discussed with Congressman Swalwell, it is clear that this should best be conducted outside the gubernatorial campaign.”
The allegations have triggered a rapid political fallout. Democratic Representatives Jimmy Gomez and Adam Gray stepped down as campaign co-chairs and urged Swalwell to drop out of the race.
Gray said: “Today’s reports about Eric Swalwell’s conduct while in office are extremely disturbing. Harassment, abuse and violence of any kind are unacceptable.”
Senior Democratic leaders, including Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark and Pete Aguilar, issued a joint statement calling for a “prompt investigation” and for Swalwell to end his campaign.
Senator Rubén Gallego withdrew his support, saying, “What is described is inexcusable,” and emphasized that the women who come forward “deserve to be heard with respect, not to be interrogated or dismissed.”
Swalwell has not publicly responded to the allegations in detail. The California primary is scheduled for June 2.
