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Swalwell has vehemently denied all accusations of sexual assault, labelling them ‘flat false’ and ‘absolutely baseless’
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Special Victims Division is focusing on a specific report involving an unnamed woman who alleges she was forcibly assaulted by Swalwell in a New York City hotel room. File pic/AP
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office has officially launched a criminal investigation into a sexual assault allegation against US Representative Eric Swalwell. The inquiry, confirmed by prosecutors on April 11, follows a series of harrowing reports detailing claims of sexual misconduct involving the California Democrat, who is currently a front-runner in the race for California governor. The investigation marks a perilous legal and political turn for the congressman, as high-profile allies and national Democratic leadership swiftly withdraw their support.
What are the specific allegations being investigated by the Manhattan DA?
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Special Victims Division is focusing on a specific report involving an unnamed woman who alleges she was forcibly assaulted by Swalwell in a New York City hotel room. According to detailed accounts, the incident purportedly occurred in April 2024 after the pair went out for drinks following a charity gala. The woman, who has shared text messages and medical records with investigators, claims she was too intoxicated to consent and that Swalwell ignored her verbal refusals.
This New York-based inquiry is part of a broader wave of accusations surfacing this week. A former congressional staffer has also accused the congressman of assaulting her twice—once in 2019 during her employment and again in 2024. Furthermore, multiple women have come forward to news outlets, including CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle, alleging various forms of misconduct ranging from inappropriate physical contact to the sending of unsolicited sexual messages.
How has Eric Swalwell responded to the criminal inquiry?
Representative Swalwell has vehemently denied all accusations of sexual assault, labelling them “flat false” and “absolutely baseless”. In a video statement, the congressman characterised the timing of the allegations as a coordinated political attack designed to sabotage his gubernatorial campaign just weeks before the primary. “For nearly 20 years, I have served the public—as a prosecutor and a congressman—and have always protected women,” Swalwell stated, vowing to defend his reputation with “everything I have”.
While he admitted to “mistakes in judgement” regarding his personal conduct, for which he apologised to his family, he maintained that no criminal act occurred. His legal team has already issued cease-and-desist letters to individuals spreading what they call “lurid lies” on social media. Despite the mounting legal pressure and the opening of the formal DA probe, Swalwell has thus far resisted calls to suspend his campaign, indicating he plans to update supporters after spending time with his family.
What is the political fallout for the California governor’s race?
The impact on the 2026 gubernatorial race has been immediate and catastrophic for the Swalwell campaign. On Friday, prominent Democratic figures including Senator Adam Schiff and Representative Jimmy Gomez, who served as a campaign co-chair, withdrew their endorsements and called for Swalwell to end his bid. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi also weighed in, stating that the “serious allegations” are best investigated outside the context of a high-profile political campaign.
Beyond individual endorsements, the institutional support that propelled Swalwell to the top of the polls is evaporating. The California Teachers Association and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California have suspended their support, with several top campaign strategists reportedly resigning in the wake of the news. With the Manhattan DA’s office now urging any other potential survivors to come forward, the investigation has effectively frozen the Democratic field, shifting the momentum toward rivals as the June 2 primary approaches.
April 12, 2026, 01:49 IST
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