California Representative Eric Swalwell, the front-runner in the race for governor, faces accusations of sexual assault and misconduct from four women, including his former aide who claims he raped her.The allegations relate to a high-profile Democrat using his political standing to groom younger women in their 20s before engaging in inappropriate sexual messages or non-consensual physical contact, CNN reported. Swalwell, married with three children, has issued a denial. He described these allegations as “false” and politically motivated lies aimed at disrupting the upcoming elections.His legal team has already issued cease and desist letters to two of the accused, warning them of legal action if they continue to speak out.
However, medical records, text messages and supporting statements from friends and family members emerged to support the women’s accounts.
Ex-Employee: Rape and bodily injury allegations
The most serious accusation comes from a woman who began coaching at Swalwell in 2019 at the age of 20. She eventually joined his campaign and district office, where she says the congressman initially made her feel like “the coolest person in the room.”She claims that after a night of heavy drinking in September 2019, she passed out and woke up naked in Swalwell’s hotel room.
She said she could “physically feel” sexual contact occurring. In a separate incident that same year, she claimed he pressured her to perform oral sex on him in the car.The woman claims the abuse culminated in April 2024 at a party in New York City. After drinks at a hotel bar left her extremely drunk, she says she regained consciousness in Swalwell’s bed.“I was pushing him away from me and saying no,” she told CNN.
“He didn’t stop.”She described waking up the next morning alone, wrapped in a blanket, with “cuts and bruises” on her ribcage and thighs. CNN reviewed medical records from the health clinic she visited days later to get tested, where a provider referred to her as a “survivor.”
Political aspirant: “Blur” in a hotel room
A second woman, who reached out to the congressman about her interest in Democratic politics in 2025, described a similar “dazzled” crush that turned into a traumatic experience.
After weeks of texting, the pair met in person during Swalwell’s visit to her city.She alleges that during one night at a bar, Swalwell repeatedly touched her leg and kissed her without her consent. Finally, she lost her memory in the evening and woke up in his hotel room. Uber receipts show she left the hotel at 5:41 a.m.The woman described her experience as “blurry” and said she felt “disgusted and ashamed.” When she later texted Swalwell telling him that “all you did was hurt me,” he replied: “I won’t bother you again! Sorry.”
Ali Samarco: Unwanted nudes and late night jogging
Social media creator Allie Sammarco is one of the women who chose to reveal their names. I first connected with Swalwell on Twitter in 2021 to discuss politics. What started as a pro tip quickly turned into an “inappropriate” exchange on Snapchat.Samarco claims the congressman sent her unwanted photos of his genitals and shirtless selfies while he was drinking. She recalled saying that while she was 24 and out with friends, a sitting congressman was “drunk texting” her.She also claimed that Swalwell stopped by her apartment building several times after learning where she lived. Although they kept in touch occasionally, she said she stopped responding to his sexual advances once she got into a serious relationship.
Marketing Professional: A four-year pattern of explicit content
A fourth woman, who works in marketing, claimed that Swalwell began communicating with her in 2021 after she liked his social media posts. Their conversation turned sexual a month later, with the congressman requesting nude photos and sending unsolicited videos of his penis, she told CNN.“When you get unwanted videos sent to you, it makes you feel like I’m less of a person,” she said.The two never met in person, but the digital relationship lasted four years.
