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Published 11:56 11 Apr 2026 GMT
California Rep. Eric Swalwell has apologized to his wife after facing a wave of sexual assault and misconduct allegations from four women.
The accusations include claims from a former staffer who says she had a sexual relationship with the 45-year-old and alleges he assaulted her on two occasions, PEOPLE reported.
Three other women have also accused him of sexually inappropriate behavior, including sending unsolicited explicit messages and nude photos.
"These allegations of sexual assault are flat false," Swalwell said in a video statement. "They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything I have."
In the same video, the politician issued a personal apology to his wife, Brittany Watts, while maintaining his innocence.
"But those mistakes are between me and my wife, and to her I apologize deeply for putting her in this position," he said.
Swalwell also pushed back against the timing of the allegations, saying they surfaced as he leads the gubernatorial primary.
"These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor," he said in a separate statement. "For nearly 20 years, I have served the public - as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women.
"I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action. My focus in the coming days is to be with my wife and children and defend our decades of service against these lies," he said.
The former employee claims Swalwell began pursuing her in 2019 when she was 21 and working in his office.
She said he allegedly sent explicit messages and made advances during work-related travel.
She told CNN that during one encounter in a car, Swalwell allegedly attempted to kiss her and asked her to perform oral sex.
"He said to me, 'You're right, it's probably not good for a congressman to be caught with his pants down,'" the former staffer said.
She also claimed that after a night of drinking in 2019, she woke up naked in a hotel bed with no memory of how she got there.
In 2024, she claims he assaulted her again while she "blacked out" but "woke up once during it and even told him to stop at one point."
"I had nothing to fall back on or anyone to vouch for my skills outside of my colleagues in that office and Eric himself," she told the Chronicle. “I knew if I came forward, it would define me and undermine my credibility."
Several campaign staffers are resigning and calling for Swalwell to withdraw from the race after the allegations surfaced.
"Following the incredibly disturbing sexual assault accusations against Congressman Eric Swalwell, we call for a swift investigation into these incidents and for the Congressman to immediately end his campaign to be California’s next Governor," House Democratic leadership said.
“This is unacceptable of anyone - certainly not an elected official - and must be taken seriously. We commended the courageous women for sharing their experiences. All perpetrators of sexual assault and harassment must be held accountable," they added.
Swalwell, who has been married since 2016 and has three children, has insisted that voters "know who I am" and pointed to his record prosecuting sexual assault cases.
"I do not suggest to you in any way that I’m perfect or that I’m a saint," he said. "For over 20 years, I have served the public as a city councilman, as a member of Congress and as a prosecutor who went to court on behalf of victims, particularly on behalf of sexual assault victims. That’s who I am and have always been."
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