Eric Swalwell Under Manhattan DA Probe Over Sexual Assault Allegations as Four Women Come Forward

Eric Swalwell, a prominent Democratic congressman and aspiring California governor, is now under formal investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office following explosive allegations of sexual assault. The probe, according to NBC, centers on one of the incidents detailed in the recent accusations, which reportedly occurred in New York City. This development comes after four women—including a former staffer—publicly accused Swalwell of misconduct, igniting a firestorm within his party and among his constituents. The allegations, which span multiple years and involve claims of nonconsensual physical contact and inappropriate behavior, have forced Swalwell to confront a growing wave of scrutiny that threatens his political ambitions.

The accusations against Swalwell were first made public on Friday, when a former staffer alleged she was raped by the congressman after a night of heavy drinking in 2024. She described waking up in his hotel room to find him having sex with her while she was too intoxicated to consent. "I was pushing him off of me, saying no," she told CNN, adding that the encounter occurred after she had left his office. Another accuser, Ally Sammarco, a political content creator based in Washington, D.C., claimed Swalwell sent her unsolicited nude messages in 2021. She told NBC that their initial exchange—intended to discuss politics—devolved into inappropriate behavior, with the congressman commenting on her appearance and suggesting they "hook up." Sammarco emphasized that she believed she was the only person to have experienced such treatment from him, but the emergence of additional accusers has changed that.

More than a dozen of Swalwell's former staffers have now issued an unsigned statement condemning the alleged behavior as "abhorrent" and "beneath the dignity of those serving in public office." The statement, released on Saturday, urged supporters to "stand with" the women who came forward, calling the behavior a betrayal of public trust. "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 backlash has been swift, with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi among those who have called on Swalwell to drop out of the race, though the congressman has so far refused to do so.

Swalwell has denied all allegations, calling the reports "flat false" in a video released on Friday. He suggested the timing of the accusations—on the eve of the June 2 primary—was part of a conspiracy against him, despite trailing Republican Steve Hilton in polls. "He can DM me, and I'll let him know where to serve us," he wrote on X, challenging accusers to sue him if they believe their claims are untrue. His response has drawn sharp criticism from some of his accusers, including Sammarco, whose husband, Adam Parkhomenko, took to social media to accuse Swalwell of "abusing power" and "preying on vulnerable people." Parkhomenko's public condemnation of the congressman has only intensified the pressure on Swalwell, who faces mounting questions about his conduct and the credibility of his denial.

The Manhattan DA's Office has launched an investigation into one of the alleged incidents, urging survivors and witnesses to contact their Special Victims Division. A spokesperson emphasized that the office is prepared to handle the case with "trauma-informed, survivor-centered" care. Meanwhile, the allegations continue to ripple through Swalwell's political career, with his campaign struggling to contain the fallout. The congressman's allies have remained largely silent, while his detractors argue that the accusations warrant a public reckoning. As the investigation unfolds, the story remains in flux, with the outcome likely to shape not only Swalwell's future but also the broader conversation about accountability in politics.

Eric Swalwell's campaign for re-election is in turmoil after a stunning series of allegations surfaced late last week, forcing the California congressman to confront a crisis that has already reshaped the political landscape. The woman who came forward described waking up naked in his hotel room, unaware it was his, and recounted flashbacks of a moment she said involved the representative grabbing her as she told him 'no.' These claims, which have ignited a firestorm of controversy, now hang over Swalwell's future as he faces calls to step down from both his congressional seat and his bid for the U.S. Senate.

Swalwell has vowed to 'fight' the allegations 'with everything that I have,' but his public apology to his wife, Brittany Watts, has done little to quell the storm. In a video released to his supporters, he said he 'deeply' apologized for putting her in 'this position,' acknowledging his 'mistakes in judgment' but insisting they are 'between me and my wife.' The couple, married for a decade and parents to three children, now find themselves at the center of a political and personal reckoning. Yet, as the allegations unfold, questions linger: Can a public figure truly reconcile past missteps with the demands of leadership? And how does a family navigate the fallout when the line between private life and public duty blurs?

The backlash has been swift and unrelenting. Longtime allies like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have all called for Swalwell to exit the race, with Bass declaring his conduct 'incompatible with elected office.' Even former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose office described the allegations as 'extremely sensitive,' urged him to 'end his campaign and resign from Congress immediately.' Her spokesperson emphasized the need for an 'appropriate investigation,' but the message is clear: the political elite are no longer standing by Swalwell.

Yet, the congressman's attorney, Elias Debaie, has signaled defiance. He told CNN that Swalwell intends to 'continue his campaign,' despite the calls to drop out, and hinted at skepticism over the timing of the allegations—25 days before an election. 'He takes accountability for potential lapses in judgment,' Debaie said, but the legal team is framing the claims as a calculated attempt to derail his bid. Meanwhile, Swalwell has reportedly paused fundraising through ActBlue, and at least four staff members have abruptly left the campaign. In a statement, the anonymous employees said their departures should not be interpreted as support for Swalwell, noting that 'not everyone can immediately forfeit their income and benefits without significant personal risk or consequence.'

The fallout extends beyond politics. The woman who accused Swalwell has become a focal point of the controversy, with Bass and others emphasizing that 'the women who came forward deserve to be heard and deserve justice.' But as the legal battle intensifies, the broader implications for Swalwell's legacy—and the trust his constituents place in their representatives—remain uncertain. Can a campaign survive such a scandal? And more pressingly, what does this say about the culture of accountability in modern politics? The answers may not come soon, but one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher for Eric Swalwell or the people he represents.