Eric Swalwell’s Allegations and Investigation Explained

Congressman Eric Swalwell is under scrutiny following sexual assault allegations made by several women, alongside an investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney and pressure from leading Democrats to withdraw from the California governor’s race.

In April 2026, four women, including a former staff member who alleges rape, accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct and harassment. Swalwell has firmly denied these accusations.

“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,” Swalwell stated. “For nearly 20 years, I have served the public — as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women.”

Swalwell, who represents California’s 14th congressional district as a Democrat, was the leading candidate in the 2026 California governor’s race before these allegations surfaced.

Keep scrolling to learn more about the scandal and resulting investigation:

What Are the Allegations Against Eric Swalwell?

A former staffer, who was 21 at the time of her employment, claimed that Swalwell pursued her romantically while she worked at his Castro Valley district office in 2019. She alleged that he sent her messages via Snapchat, including images of his genitals, and requested nude photos in return. Additionally, she accused Swalwell of attempting to kiss her and asking for oral sex.

The staffer further accused Swalwell of inviting her for drinks in September 2019, after which she blacked out and awoke naked in his hotel bed, experiencing 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, alleged that Swalwell offered to share her resume with other congressional offices, followed by sending her inappropriate messages via Snapchat. Two other women accused him of sexual harassment and unwanted touching. All the women, except Sammarco, chose to remain anonymous due to fear of retaliation.

Eric Swalwell’s Denial and Apology to His Wife

Swalwell addressed the allegations in a video on social media, where he also apologized 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 the video in April 2026. “Those mistakes are between me and my wife. And to her, I apologize deeply for putting her in this position.”

Watts, who shares three children with Swalwell, has not publicly commented on the scandal.

Ally Sammarco’s Husband Reacts to the Scandal

Ally Sammarco’s husband, Adam Parkhomenko, responded to Swalwell’s denial in the same month.

“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, posted on 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 another statement, Parkhomenko said, “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 Democrats reacted publicly to the allegations against Swalwell in April 2026.

“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, along with Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, issued a joint statement urging Swalwell to “immediately end his campaign to be California’s next governor.”

Adam Gray, a Democrat from California and campaign cochair for Swalwell, described the reports as “deeply disturbing” and withdrew his support for Swalwell’s gubernatorial bid.

Manhattan DA Opens Investigation

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office initiated an investigation into 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. “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

Following the launch of the investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office into Swalwell’s alleged misconduct, his staff from the 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.”

They explained the challenges faced by staff members in leaving their jobs amid the 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 the 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.”

The 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.”

Eric Swalwell Suspends Gubernatorial Campaign

One day after the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office began its investigation, Swalwell announced via X that he was suspending his gubernatorial campaign.

“I am suspending my campaign for Governor,” Swalwell stated. “To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.”

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.