California Congressman Eric Swalwell, once seen as a top contender in the state’s heated Democratic governor’s race, is now watching his campaign unravel. On April 10, 2026, CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle published reports where four women accused Swalwell of rape and sexual misconduct. One of them, a former staffer, claims he assaulted her twice while she was drunk: once in 2019, and then again in 2024. However, Swalwell says none of it is true.
On Saturday, Swalwell posted a video on X, addressing several sexual misconduct allegations made against him by four women. In the video, Swalwell speaks directly to viewers, saying, “A lot has been said about me today through anonymous allegations. And I thought it was important that you see and hear from me directly. These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything that I have.”
He also apologized to his wife, admitting to past “mistakes in judgment,” but called those private matters, unrelated to the current accusations. He was clear: the assault allegations are false.
The timing of these claims, just weeks before important election dates, has sparked backlash from his allies, who argue these are politically motivated attacks trying to knock him out of the governor’s race. Swalwell and his campaign haven’t shied away from calling these accusations an effort to derail his momentum.
People React to California Congressman Eric Swalwell’s Rape Denial
Responses on X moved fast and bluntly. “Yup, he’s cooked,” one person wrote. Another aimed at the Democratic establishment’s previous positioning on sexual misconduct: “Whatever happened to believing all survivors?”
Some framed it as broader political commentary. “You guys notice how the entire capitalist class is full of little Epsteins,” one commenter wrote. Others directed their comments straight at Swalwell: “You’re toast and we are dancing on your political grave.”
A more partisan response came from those on the right: “The RATS are eating each other and it’s glorious to watch!!”
This story is gaining attention because of who Eric Swalwell is. Top Democrats like Nancy Pelosi, Adam Schiff, Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, and Pete Aguilar have all told him to drop out right away. Even the California Teachers’ Association, once a solid supporter, just voted unanimously to pull its endorsement.
Support isn’t just trickling away; it’s vanishing overnight. Allies, campaign workers, unions, and party leaders are all gone. So, this isn’t just about the allegations. It’s about watching an entire campaign unravel almost instantly.
