Rep. Eric Swalwell, a leading Democratic candidate in California’s upcoming gubernatorial race, has been accused by multiple women of sexual assault and misconduct, casting uncertainty over his campaign just weeks before the primary election. The allegations, made public on Friday, include claims from a former staff member who said Swalwell sexually assaulted her on two occasions when she was too intoxicated to consent, as well as accusations from three other women alleging inappropriate behavior, including receiving unsolicited explicit photos.

The former staffer, who began working in Swalwell’s Northern California district office in 2019 at age 21, reported an ongoing consensual relationship with the congressman but detailed incidents in which she said she was assaulted while impaired. She declined to report the assaults at the time, fearing disbelief. Her account was corroborated by contemporaneous texts, interviews with acquaintances, and medical records related to a pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease testing. Additional allegations include another woman’s claim from 2025 that she was intoxicated and ended up in Swalwell’s hotel room with limited recollection, and two others who said Swalwell sent explicit images and messages via Snapchat.

Swalwell, 45, who is married with three children, categorically denied the accusations in a statement, calling them false and politically motivated. He emphasized his nearly two decades of public service, including time as a prosecutor and congressman, asserting he has always protected women. Swalwell has stated his intention to defend himself legally, and his attorney previously issued a cease-and-desist letter to at least one individual spreading such claims.

The revelations have triggered immediate fallout within the political sphere. Prominent Democrats, including State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and San José Mayor Matt Mahan, called on Swalwell to suspend his campaign. The California Teachers Association, a major labor organization that had supported Swalwell, announced it was withdrawing its backing, describing the allegations as unacceptable, a stance echoed by the chair of the California Democratic Party. Multiple staff members reportedly resigned amid the controversy.

The governor’s race to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom remains highly competitive, with nearly a dozen candidates from both parties vying for the June 2 primary. A recent poll indicated Swalwell was tied for first place among Democrats with former Rep. Katie Porter, underscoring the potential impact of the allegations. Swalwell has previously been vocal on issues of sexual misconduct, advocating for victims in high-profile cases.

The accusations arrive amid a politically charged environment, with the congressman recently criticizing former President Donald Trump and contending that the ongoing scrutiny is part of an effort to influence the election. Swalwell also faces lingering questions from a separate FBI inquiry into his past associations, though he has not been accused of wrongdoing in that matter.

As the gubernatorial primary approaches, the controversy surrounding Swalwell adds a significant and unpredictable element to the race, with implications for voter sentiment and Democratic party dynamics in the nation’s most populous state.