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- Details of the accusations against Eric Swalwell
- How Swalwell responded and his message to family
- Reaction from victims’ families and allies
- Democratic leaders demand action as pressure mounts
- Manhattan District Attorney launches criminal review
- Staffers’ public condemnation and workplace fallout
- Swalwell suspends his campaign amid the probe
- Resources and next steps for the investigation
Lawmakers, staff and voters watched a fast-moving controversy engulf Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell after multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct. The allegations, publicized in April 2026, prompted an investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney and urgent demands from party leaders for Swalwell to leave the California governor’s race.
Details of the accusations against Eric Swalwell
Several women came forward this spring with claims about Swalwell’s conduct while he served in Congress. Their accounts vary, but together they allege a pattern of inappropriate messages, unwanted touching and, in one instance, a sexual assault.
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- A former staff member, hired at 21, says contact began while she worked at Swalwell’s district office in 2019.
- She alleges direct messaging through Snapchat, requests for nude photos and explicit images sent to her.
- The woman also says she woke up after a night out feeling she had been sexually assaulted.
- Other women describe lewd messages or unwanted physical contact. One, Ally Sammarco, spoke publicly about inappropriate Snapchat messages tied to an offer to share her resume.
Swalwell denies the allegations and says the claims are politically timed. He says he will contest the accusations.
How Swalwell responded and his message to family
Swalwell posted a video addressing the reports. He accepted responsibility for poor judgment in the past but rejected the most serious claims.
- He apologized to his wife, Brittany Watts, for mistakes he described as personal and private.
- He insisted his long record of public service demonstrates respect for women.
Brittany Watts has not issued a public comment about the allegations.
Reaction from victims’ families and allies
Accusers and their allies pressed Swalwell for accountability. One prominent response came from the spouse of a woman who went public.
- Adam Parkhomenko, married to Ally Sammarco, pushed back on Swalwell’s denial. He urged anyone harmed to speak up.
- Parkhomenko publicly challenged Swalwell to sue if he believed the statements were false.
Democratic leaders demand action as pressure mounts
Top Democrats called for swift, transparent review of the accusations and urged Swalwell to withdraw from the governor’s contest.
- Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi emphasized that the matter should be investigated outside the campaign process.
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, along with caucus leaders, asked Swalwell to end his run for governor immediately.
- Close allies in California politics rescinded public support and labeled the reports deeply disturbing.
Party leaders framed the issue as one requiring independent scrutiny.
Manhattan District Attorney launches criminal review
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office opened a criminal investigation on April 11, 2026. Prosecutors urged anyone with information to come forward.
- The DA’s office provided a contact for the Special Victims Division to collect tips and reports.
- Officials said their team includes trauma-informed prosecutors and counselors for survivors.
The investigation represents a formal escalation beyond media reports.
Staffers’ public condemnation and workplace fallout
Members of Swalwell’s congressional and campaign teams released a joint statement condemning the alleged behavior.
- They described the reports as horrifying and said they stood with the women who spoke out.
- Staffers explained why some remained at work despite the scandal, citing responsibilities to constituents and personal financial constraints.
- They stressed that continuing to staff the office did not equal support for Swalwell.
Swalwell suspends his campaign amid the probe
Within a day of the DA announcement, Swalwell announced he was suspending his bid for California governor.
He said he would fight the allegations but that the legal battle should not continue as part of a campaign. He apologized again for past lapses in judgment and asked for privacy for his family as the process moved forward.
Resources and next steps for the investigation
Authorities encouraged anyone with knowledge of alleged incidents to contact investigators. Support resources were highlighted for survivors.
- Manhattan DA’s Special Victims Division is accepting tips related to the probe.
- If you or someone you know needs help, contact local sexual assault hotlines or services in your area.
