Rep. Eric Swalwell is currently under investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office regarding allegations of sexual assault made by a former staffer. The alleged incident took place in April 2024 at a hotel in New York City.
The woman claims that she was unable to consent due to intoxication and alleges that she woke up to Swalwell having sex with her, during which she was pushing him off and saying no. Swalwell has categorically denied these allegations, stating, “These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They’re absolutely false. They did not happen, they have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have.”
The allegations have surfaced at a critical time, as Swalwell is running for governor of California. Prominent Democrats have urged him to reconsider his campaign or withdraw entirely, indicating the potential impact of these allegations on his political future.
Swalwell, who has served in Congress since 2012 and previously ran for president in 2019, faces significant scrutiny as the investigation unfolds. The woman involved in the allegations worked for Swalwell from 2019 until 2021.
In a related incident, Christopher Magna, 52, was arrested and charged with three counts of assault for allegedly spitting on three individuals. None of the allegations against Magna have been tested in court.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has encouraged survivors and anyone with knowledge of the allegations against Swalwell to reach out to their Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373.
As the investigation progresses, the political ramifications for Swalwell’s campaign remain uncertain. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full scope of the allegations and their potential impact on his candidacy.
