The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office confirmed on Saturday that it is investigating sexual assault allegations against U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat and a leading candidate in the state’s gubernatorial race.
The investigation follows a report by the San Francisco Chronicle on Friday, which said a former staff member accused Swalwell of two non-consensual sexual encounters—one in 2019 while she worked in his district office, and another in 2024 after she had left his staff. The woman also told CNN that Swalwell raped her during the 2024 incident in a New York City hotel.
Swalwell has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “absolutely false,” and has vowed to fight the claims. However, several prominent Democrats have reportedly urged him to withdraw from the California governor’s race.
The woman, who has not been publicly identified by the Chronicle or CNN, was quoted as saying she was too intoxicated on both occasions to give consent.
CNN also reported that three additional women have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has urged anyone with information about the allegations to contact its Special Victims Division as the investigation continues.
Florida Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna said on X that she plans to introduce a motion to expel Swalwell from Congress. Speaking on Fox News, she said it would be unacceptable for him to remain in Congress if he withdraws from the governor’s race, adding that she will file the disciplinary motion next week.
Swalwell has suggested the timing of the allegations is politically motivated, coming ahead of California’s June primary. He remains a contender in a crowded field for the state’s nonpartisan gubernatorial election, where the top two candidates—regardless of party—will advance to the November general election.