Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), a Democratic front-runner in California’s gubernatorial race, pushed back Tuesday against online allegations that he engaged in inappropriate conduct with congressional aides.
Swalwell flatly rejected the claims while speaking to reporters following a town hall at Sacramento’s Scottish Rite Masonic Center.
“It’s false,” he said.
Unverified accusations alleging that Swalwell engaged in inappropriate conduct with younger women have circulated online for weeks, gaining traction in recent days as political operatives, rivals, and social media influencers amplified the claims, including suggestions that women were required to sign nondisclosure agreements.
Among those pushing the allegations are Cheyenne Hunt, a Laguna Hills-based attorney and leader of a progressive advocacy organization, and Arielle Fodor, a social media figure known as Mrs. Frazzled. In addition, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), a frequent critic of Swalwell, has also spotlighted the claims and raised questions about his conduct.
Swalwell’s campaign declined to respond for weeks as the accusations circulated online, but on Tuesday, it issued a strong rebuttal.
“This false, outrageous rumor is being spread 27 days before an election begins by flailing opponents who have sadly teamed up with MAGA conspiracy theorists because they know Eric Swalwell is the frontrunner in this race,” spokesman Micah Beasley said in a statement. “In 13 years, no one in Eric Swalwell’s Congressional office has ever been asked to sign an NDA. Ever. In 13 years, not a single ethics complaint by any staff in his office or any other office has ever been lodged. Ever.”
Shortly after the statement, Hunt responded on social media.
“Smearing survivors with claims that they ‘teamed up with MAGA’ is morally repugnant,” she posted on X. “These women are brave and deserve to be heard. We are working with legal counsel and the investigative team of a highly reputable outlet to ensure that those stories are told the right way.”
On Wednesday morning, she claimed Swalwell’s campaign’s statement was “forced, false, and a clear signal they are bracing for impact.”
Since posting her original video detailing Swalwell’s alleged advances, Hunt said she has been contacted by a number of other women sharing similar experiences. However, she has not identified any of these women nor provided additional details.
Former Rep. Katie Porter, one of Swalwell’s top Democratic rivals in the governor’s race, called the allegations against her former colleague “troubling.”
“I have seen allegations coming from women staffers. They are very, very troubling allegations,” Porter said on CNN. “It’s those women’s stories to tell when they are ready, and I hope they feel safe and supported if they choose to do so.”
On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, one of the frontrunners in the 10-person contest, told conservative commentator Benny Johnson that Swalwell “should probably just drop out and save his family.”
PATEL LOOKING TO RELEASE OLD FILES ON SWALWELL’S TIES TO ALLEGED CHINESE SPY
“I think in California, Swalwell was only popular because of his hatred for President Trump,” Bianco said on Johnson’s podcast. “He’s not going to survive this.”
The Washington Examiner has not independently corroborated reports of inappropriate behavior.
