Manhattan DA investigates Eric Swalwell over sexual assault allegations

The Manhattan district attorney’s office announced it is investigating sexual assault allegations against Eric Swalwell, a Democratic congressman from California running for governor. Swalwell denied the claims made by a former staffer, who accused him of two nonconsensual sexual encounters in California in 2019 and New York in 2024. The woman stated she was too intoxicated to consent during both incidents.

In a CNN interview, the woman accused Swalwell of raping her in New York, while three other women alleged he sent inappropriate messages and engaged in unwanted touching. The DA’s office encouraged anyone with information to contact its special victims division, emphasizing a trauma-informed approach to the investigation.

Swalwell labeled the allegations as "absolutely false" and suggested they were politically motivated, surfacing just before the June primary. He asserted, "These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They did not happen, they have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have."

As the investigation unfolds, Swalwell's support is waning; prominent backers, including all 21 of his congressional supporters, have begun to withdraw their endorsements. Leading California Democrats, including both state senators and the lieutenant governor, have urged him to end his campaign. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated that the allegations must be investigated, suggesting it should occur outside of the gubernatorial campaign context.

Power Read: The investigation places Swalwell in a precarious position as he navigates the political landscape ahead of the gubernatorial primary. With his support base eroding and calls for withdrawal intensifying, his political future is uncertain. The allegations, if substantiated, could significantly undermine his credibility and political capital, while his denial and framing of the situation as a political attack may resonate with some constituents but risk alienating others.

What to watch: The upcoming primary in June will be pivotal for Swalwell, particularly as the investigation progresses and public sentiment shifts.