Former Campaign Volunteer Alleges Sexual Misconduct by California Gubernatorial Candidate Eric Swalwell

A woman who volunteered on Rep. Eric Swalwell’s campaign for California governor has come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct, claiming two separate incidents occurred after campaign-related events in recent years.

According to the accuser, who has not been publicly named, the first incident took place after she drove Swalwell home from a campaign event. She alleges that while they were in his car in a parking lot, Swalwell tried to kiss her without her consent and then exposed his penis.

In a separate incident, the woman said she and Swalwell went out drinking together. She claims she became heavily intoxicated and later woke up in a hotel bed with him, with no memory of how she arrived there or what occurred in the interim. She described the situation as non-consensual due to her level of intoxication.

These details align with broader allegations of sexual harassment and assault that have circulated in connection with Swalwell’s campaign, including a recent report in the San Francisco Chronicle detailing claims from a former staffer who worked in his district office from 2019 to 2021. That accuser alleged unwanted sexual advances, explicit messages, and two instances of sexual assault while intoxicated—one during her employment and another in April 2024 after a gala in New York City.

Swalwell’s campaign has categorically denied all allegations of sexual misconduct. In statements issued this week, the campaign called the claims “false,” “outrageous,” and politically motivated, timed to interfere with his frontrunner status in the June 2026 California Democratic gubernatorial primary. Swalwell himself addressed the matter at a town hall in Sacramento on April 7, stating the allegations were false and denying that he had ever had a sexual relationship with any staffer or intern. He noted there have been no prior formal complaints, settlements, or nondisclosure agreements involving his congressional office.

As of April 10, 2026, no criminal charges have been filed, and no lawsuit has been publicly announced in connection with these specific claims. The accuser has reportedly shared supporting materials, such as messages to friends and other records, with at least one news outlet, but the allegations remain unverified by independent investigations or court proceedings.

The claims have intensified scrutiny on Swalwell, a longtime Democratic congressman from California’s East Bay, as he campaigns for governor. Several Democratic rivals have described the accusations as “troubling” and called for a thorough examination, while emphasizing the need to support potential victims. Swalwell’s team has pushed back, suggesting the rumors originated from a mix of left-leaning influencers and political opponents.

This story is developing. The allegations have not been proven in any court, and Swalwell maintains his innocence.