Nancy Pelosi, Hakeem Jeffries and prominent Democrats responded to the claims Eric Swalwellthe Democratic congressman representing California’s 14th congressional district, sexually assaulted and abused multiple women.
“This very serious matter must be properly investigated with transparency and accountability,” Pelosi said in a statement in response to the allegations. “As I talk to Congressman Swalwell, it’s clear that this is best done without an executive campaign.”
Swalwell was a front-runner in the California gubernatorial race when four women, including a former staffer, accused the congressman of sexual harassment and assault, including rape.
“I have been looking for ways to blame myself: I should never have reached him, I should have left, I should have done this,” said one woman who wished to remain anonymous while speaking to CNN to investigate the alleged incidents. “Well, Eric shouldn’t have raped me.”
Swalwell has bitterly denied all the allegations against him, promising to “fight” these allegations with “everything” he has. Us Weekly reached out to comment.
“A lot has been said about me today with anonymous allegations. I thought it was important for you to see and hear from me directly,” the congressman said in a video shared on social media on April 10, 2026. “These allegations of sexual harassment are blatant lies. They are two lies. They never happened. They never happened. And I will fight them with everything I have.”
Eric Swalwell
Getty ImagesHe continued, “And they came the night before the election, when I was the frontrunner for governor of California. I’m not suggesting in any way that I’m perfect or a saint — I’ve made mistakes in judgment in the past, but those mistakes are between me and my wife. And to her, I’m very sorry for putting her through this.” (Swalwell has three children, Nelson, Cricket and Hank, with his wife, Brittany Watts.)
Below are prominent Democrats who have issued public statements in response to the claims against Swalwell.
Nancy Pelosi
“This very serious matter must be investigated properly with transparency and accountability,” Nancy Pelosi said in a statement. Politics. “As I talk to Congressman Swalwell, it’s clear that this is best done without an executive campaign.”
Hakeem Jeffries
“Following the incredibly disturbing allegations of sexual harassment against Congressman Eric Swalwell, we are calling for an immediate investigation into these incidents and for the Congressman to immediately end his campaign to become the next governor of California,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a joint statement alongside the Democratic Whip. Katherine Clark and Chairman of the Democratic Caucus Pete Aguilar.
“This is unacceptable to anyone – certainly not an elected official – and must be taken seriously,” the statement continued. “We commend the brave women for telling us about their experiences. In these cases and in all cases, we must ensure that those who come forward with allegations of sexual harassment are listened to and respected. All perpetrators of sexual harassment must be held accountable.”
Adam Gray
The California Democrat, who served as Eric Swalwell’s campaign chairman, called reports of Swalwell’s alleged behavior “deeply disturbing.”
“Harassment, abuse, and violence of any kind is unacceptable,” his statement continued. “Due to these serious allegations, I am withdrawing my support and Eric Swalwell should end his campaign immediately.”
Ro Khanna
“No one in office should be allowed to act above the law or with impunity,” Ro Khanna, representative in California, said a written statement. “It doesn’t matter what position you have, how rich you are, or what political party you belong to. The same rules should apply to Eric Swalwell.”
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
