The Manhattan District Attorney's Office says it has launched an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against US Congressman Eric Swalwell.
Four women have accused him of misconduct ranging from sexual harassment to rape, including an alleged incident in New York. Swalwell, a leading contender in California's governor race, denies the claims, vowing to defend himself with facts.
We urge survivors and anyone with knowledge of these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division, said the New York City prosecutor's office.
Representatives for Swalwell - who was elected in 2012 to a district near San Francisco - did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In urging accusers to come forward, the district attorney's office stated: Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators, and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner. The investigation follows Swalwell's vehement denial of the allegations just a day prior.
Swalwell claimed, For nearly 20 years, I have served the public - as a prosecutor and a congressman, and have always protected women. I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action. The first allegation against Swalwell surfaced in the San Francisco Chronicle, where a former staff member claimed that after being hired, Swalwell made inappropriate sexual advances towards her.
She alleged that Swalwell assaulted her on two separate occasions: once in September 2019 and again in 2024 after a charity gala in New York, asserting she was too intoxicated to consent during both incidents. CNN later reported similar accusations from three other women.
As the allegations became public, Swalwell's campaign saw a swift loss of support from notable figures, including Senator Adam Schiff, amidst mounting calls for his withdrawal from the gubernatorial race. California's outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom, alongside other prominent Democrats, has expressed concern over the allegations, emphasizing the need for independent investigation.
The charges emerge at a critical junction in the California Democratic primary amid fears that a split vote could disenfranchise the party in the general election. With no clear frontrunner, Democrats remain anxious as the primary approaches.
