The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has launched an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against US Congressman Eric Swalwell, representing California's 14th District. Four women have accused the Democratic lawmaker of misconduct ranging from sexual harassment to rape, including an alleged incident in New York. Swalwell, who is among the leading candidates in California's gubernatorial race to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, has denied the claims, saying he will defend himself with 'facts.'
The investigation marks a significant development in a story that has upended Swalwell's political trajectory at a critical moment. The first public allegation emerged in the San Francisco Chronicle on Friday, with CNN subsequently publishing accusations from four women. The Manhattan DA's Special Victims Division is urging survivors and anyone with knowledge of the allegations to come forward.
What the Right Is Saying
Republicans have seized on the allegations to attack Swalwell's character and question Democratic Party leadership. Conservative commentators have noted that Swalwell served as an impeachment manager during former President Donald Trump's first Senate trial and has been a prominent Trump critic. Some Republican operatives have called for a full investigation and suggested the allegations raise questions about Swalwell's fitness for higher office.
The Republican National Committee issued a statement calling the allegations 'deeply disturbing' and demanding transparency. Several conservative media figures have highlighted Swalwell's past statements about accountability for public officials, arguing he should be held to the same standard. However, some Republican strategists have cautioned against overreach, noting the allegations remain unproven and reminding that due process applies to all individuals.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive Democrats and some party leaders have distanced themselves from Swalwell following the allegations. Senator Adam Schiff and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries withdrew their support for his gubernatorial campaign within hours of the accusations becoming public. Swalwell's congressional and campaign aides issued an unsigned statement saying they were 'horrified' by the allegations. 'We stand with our former colleague, and the other women who have come forward,' the statement read. 'We believe you should stand with them, too. The behavior detailed in these reports is abhorrent, beneath the dignity of those serving in public office and betrays the trust of all Californians.'
Some progressive commentators noted Swalwell's own background as a former prosecutor in framing his response. In a video message, Swalwell acknowledged making 'mistakes in judgment' but characterized those as private matters between himself and his wife, for which he apologized. Women's rights advocates have generally urged patience while the investigation proceeds, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed investigations.
What the Numbers Show
Swalwell was first elected to Congress in 2012 representing a district near San Francisco. He was re-elected five times, most recently in 2024 with approximately 71% of the vote. In recent gubernatorial polls, Swalwell was projected as one of the frontrunners among Democratic candidates, though no clear leader had emerged from the crowded primary field.
The California gubernatorial race is wide open with multiple Democratic candidates vying to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. The top two vote-getters from the June primary will advance to November's general election, regardless of party. Recent polling showed Swalwell receiving between 8% and 15% support in the Democratic primary, placing him among the top tier but well behind front-runners.
The Bottom Line
The Manhattan DA's investigation adds federal scrutiny to allegations that first surfaced publicly less than a week ago. Swalwell has denied the claims and his legal team has sent cease-and-desist letters to two of the accusers, according to CNN. The investigation will likely take weeks or months, while the California primary approaches in June. The outcome of this investigation could significantly impact Swalwell's gubernatorial prospects in what is already a crowded and competitive race. Voters will be watching to see whether additional women come forward and how the legal process unfolds.