Congress Eric Swalwell is facing allegations of sexual harassment against multiple women, an investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney and is asking top Democrats to end his campaign for governor of California.
Four women – including a former employee who says the politician raped her – accused Swalwell in April 2026 of sexual misconduct and harassment. Swalwell dismissed all these allegations.
“These allegations are false and come the day before the election against the governor,” Swalwell said. said the statement. “For almost 20 years, I have worked for the public – as a prosecutor and as a congressman and I have always defended women.”
Swalwell, a Democratic congressman representing California’s 14th congressional district, was a front-runner in the 2026 race for governor of California before the allegations hit the headlines.
Keep scrolling to learn more about the scandal and the resulting investigation:
What Are The Allegations Against Eric Swalwell?
One of Eric Swalwell’s employees, who was 21 years old when he was hired, said he tried to have an affair with her while working at the district office in Castro Valley, California, in 2019. She alleges that he messaged her on Snapchat, sent her pictures of her private parts and then demanded nude pictures of her. She also said that Swalwell tried to kiss her in his car and then asked her to perform oral sex on him.
The woman went on to say that Swalwell invited her to drink in September 2019, and that’s when she “disappeared” and it is suspected that she woke up naked in Swalwell’s hotel bed, where she felt the effects of sexual intercourse.
“I kept finding ways to blame myself: I shouldn’t have gone to him, I should have left, I should have done this,” the unidentified victim told CNN in April 2026. “Well, Eric shouldn’t have raped me.”
Another woman, Ally Sammarcoshe said Swalwell promised to “share her progress” with other congressional offices before sending her “highly inappropriate” messages on Snapchat. Two more women also accused the congressman of sexual harassment and unwanted touching. All the women, sans Sammarco, wish to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals.
Eric Swalwell Denies and Apologizes to His Wife
Eric Swalwell addressed the allegations in a social media video, and again apologizing to his wife, Brittany Watts.
“I’m not suggesting in any way that I’m perfect or a saint. I’ve certainly made mistakes in judgment in the past,” he said in a social media video in April 2026. “Those mistakes are between me and my wife. And to her, I’m very sorry for putting her through this.”
Watts, who shares three children with Swalwell, has not publicly spoken about the scandal.
Ally Sammarco’s husband reacts with shame
The victim is blamed Ally Sammarcoher husband, Adam Parkhomenko answered Swalwell in denial video in April 2026.
“My wife’s name is Ally Sammarco. She obviously knows that, but her name has not been disclosed,” said Parkhomenko, a Democratic strategist and former DNC National Regional Director, wrote about X in April 2026. “She also made history with CNN so I hope this doesn’t happen to other women and maybe it can help other women come forward.”
In a second statement, Parkhomenko added, “I would like to emphasize that if Eric Swalwell and his attorney believe any of the statements that my wife and I have made are untrue, he should immediately sue us.”
Democrats Call for Eric Swalwell to Drop Out of Governor’s Race
Prominent members of the Democratic Party responded publicly to the Eric Swalwell misconduct scandal in April 20226.
“This very serious matter must be properly investigated with transparency and accountability,” Nancy Pelosi said the statement. “As I talk to Congressman Swalwell, it’s clear that this is best done without an executive campaign.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffrieson the other hand, he issued a statement jointly with the Democratic Alliance Whip Katherine Clark and Chairman of the Democratic Caucus Pete Aguilar. They called on Swalwell to “immediately end his campaign to become the next governor of California.”
Adam GrayThe California Democrat, who served as Swalwell’s campaign chairman, also called the reports “very disturbing” and withdrew his support for the congressman’s gubernatorial race.
Manhattan DA Opens Investigation
I The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office launched an investigation by Eric Swalwell on April 11, 2026.
“We urge survivors and anyone with information about these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373,” the DA’s office told CNN in a statement. “Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators and counselors are well equipped to assist you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered way.”
Us Weekly contacted Swalwell’s director of communications for comment.
Congressman Eric Swalwell’s Staff ‘Shocked’ by Allegations of Sexual Misconduct
On the heels of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office opening an investigation into alleged misconduct by Congressman Eric Swalwell, his 14th district staff and the “Eric Swalwell for Governor 2026” campaign issued a joint statement condemning him.
“As the leaders of the teams working for Eric Swalwell, we are shocked by the report that was recently reported to the company San Francisco Chronicle and with CNN,” they said, “I stand with my former colleague, and with other women who have come before. We believe you should stand with them, too. The conduct described in these reports is reprehensible, beneath the dignity of those who serve in public office and betrays the trust of all Californians.”
His staff have spoken out about why it is unlikely that many of them will quit their jobs with Swalwell amid the ongoing scandal.
“We also understand that we are leading teams that need direction and stability now, more than ever. We are focused on supporting our partners during this difficult time,” they said in a joint statement.
“Any decision by staff to remain in their roles for the time being should not be seen as supporting Eric Swalwell. “We recognize that not everyone – especially our junior staff – can lose their money and benefits immediately without personal risk or consequence. Our responsibility now lies with them.”
Their statement concluded, “We, more than him, understand that we have a responsibility to the people we lead and to the members of California’s 14th District. We who remain on staff do so with the goal of ensuring that as many of those responsibilities are fulfilled as possible.”
Us Weekly 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.
