Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Jose Garcia

(3,515 posts)
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 06:49 PM Friday

Ex-staffer accuses Eric Swalwell of sexual assault, upending governor's race

Source: Sacramento Bee

Rep. Eric Swalwell, a leading candidate to succeed outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom, allegedly sexually assaulted a staff member in 2019, according to a report published Friday by the San Francisco Chronicle.

A former staffer claims Swalwell sexually assaulted her twice while she was too intoxicated to consent, charges Swalwell denied.

“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,” Swalwell said in a statement sent to reporters. “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.”

On Thursday night, Swalwell’s attorney, Elias Dabaie, sent a cease and desist letter to the woman threatening a lawsuit if she continued to make “false statements accusing Mr. Swalwell of sexual assault and nonconsensual sexual encounters,” according to the Chronicle.


Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/ex-staffer-accuses-eric-swalwell-of-sexual-assault-upending-governors-race/ar-AA20CkPu

85 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Ex-staffer accuses Eric Swalwell of sexual assault, upending governor's race (Original Post) Jose Garcia Friday OP
Too intoxicated to consent, twice? rzemanfl Friday #1
It's not that odd that people who work together sometimes hang out together and drink Deminpenn Friday #36
That also means that, if nothing happened, no one will believe you. OldBaldy1701E 17 hrs ago #53
True enough Deminpenn 14 hrs ago #59
that sucks Kali Friday #2
Right before Rebl2 Friday #18
Roger Stone involved too. travelingthrulife Friday #23
So weird how it just popped up. CrystalwolfLady 4 hrs ago #78
The truth is that Eric Swalwell was leading in the gubernatorial race... pandr32 4 hrs ago #77
accusation maliaSmith Friday #3
As we don't have all the factual information, I say what I always say no_hypocrisy Friday #4
Roger Stone. travelingthrulife Friday #24
And the distraction caused by that dichotomy is usually out of proprtion to the alleged events themselves. ... marble falls Friday #28
"Either way I think his run is over." OrwellwasRight 4 hrs ago #80
It is a problem, one with no satisfactory resolution. Pisses me off. We could have had a President Franken. ... marble falls 4 hrs ago #82
Check the accusers bank accounts... New home? etc...nt mitch96 Friday #38
I hope not! I would say, welp, I'll go when y'all tell Pedo potus to go... CrystalwolfLady 4 hrs ago #79
Innocent public figures must aggressively defend themselves Raven123 Friday #5
Eric's been around too long, to have accusations like this now. I suspect that this is a false attempt by some on the SWBTATTReg Friday #6
Andrew Cuomo was an elected official for almost 14 years before he was accused Jose Garcia Friday #8
Yup, and Eric does say TexasBushwhacker 5 hrs ago #74
Swallell graycampervan Friday #40
I like Eric's statement RussBLib Friday #7
Pelosi and Schiff have said he should exit the race, so I think he's finished. deurbano Friday #9
Shame on Pelosi and Schiff. They need to keep their mouth's shut on this until the evidence, if there is Escurumbele Friday #12
My first choice has been Swalwell. (After Kamala decided not to run, to my great disappointment.) And I think the timing deurbano Friday #19
Iʻve been looking forward to the day I could volunteer for his Presidential run. mahina 19 hrs ago #50
I initially assumed it was just dirty tricks. (The timing!) And it just seemed so at odds with my perspective deurbano 11 hrs ago #60
Same whole process over here. mahina 7 hrs ago #70
Yep. Lets hear them tell trump to leave/Resign while they are making judgements.... CrystalwolfLady 3 hrs ago #85
Pelosi and Schiff said that Biden should exit the race. usonian Friday #15
This Bayard Friday #31
Without being mean, may I point out that Schiff did a hatchet job on Katie Porter for senator, the #2 democrat in polls usonian Friday #33
I'm in the same boat Lifeafter70 4 hrs ago #81
Here are the latest standings I found. Might be stale already, usonian 4 hrs ago #83
Of course. Waving the white flag before any evidence or hearing. travelingthrulife Friday #25
I'm sorry, but I just don't buy this. hamsterjill Friday #10
Yeah...have those "unsolicited nude messages" been provided to lawyers? If so Bengus81 16 hrs ago #54
There's a plausible scenario we'll have 2 Repub candidates in Nov. SpankMe Friday #11
"sexually assaulted her twice while she was too intoxicated to consent" Polybius Friday #13
It means they had sexual intercourse Quiet Em Friday #16
Thank you! Polybius Friday #17
No rush to judgment please duckworth969 Friday #14
Show me the proof. If three of them got nude phone pics then someone MUST have saved Bengus81 5 hrs ago #76
Post removed Post removed Friday #20
I just turned my TV on and already saw anti-Swalwell ads BigmanPigman Friday #21
Roger Stone is at it again. travelingthrulife Friday #26
How do you know he is behind this? BigmanPigman Friday #29
Steyer Jvp Yesterday #44
You're correct. I just Googled, "Is Tom Steyer tryng to discredit Eric Swalwell?" BigmanPigman 22 hrs ago #48
How did Roger Stone know ahead of the story??? ultralite001 9 hrs ago #66
Since she was a staffer, you can't deny knowing her, can you? Buddyzbuddy Friday #22
And the staffer is not the only one who has come forward. deurbano Friday #34
Well, I've been wrong before. But I don't believe it Figarosmom Friday #27
Who benefits most? BidenRocks Friday #30
Well, damn Politicub Friday #32
How convenient JoseBalow Friday #35
Just check her offshore bank account. Linda ladeewolf 16 hrs ago #56
All 4 of them? MichMan 15 hrs ago #58
I'm sorry, but Pototan Friday #37
CA House seats follow the same election rules Retrograde 7 hrs ago #71
I think you missed my point Pototan 6 hrs ago #72
Interesting all the folks casting aspersions on the woman Miguelito Loveless Friday #39
Thanks Miguelito Loveless jfz9580m Yesterday #46
Many of the posts about this are horrible. yardwork 15 hrs ago #57
Agreed RoseTrellis 9 hrs ago #67
When there is kacekwl 4 hrs ago #84
Not in CA, but have seen Swalwell a lot on MSNBC/MSNOW Deminpenn Friday #41
Of course the woman is a liar iemanja Friday #42
Trump and his billionaire buddies traffic and screw kids, yet the torches and pichforks are out for Swalwell hadEnuf Friday #43
Imagine if Republicans held Republicans to this standard. halobeam 23 hrs ago #47
Totally not fair that Democrats can't rape and sexually harass women like Republicans Jose Garcia 10 hrs ago #65
I guess innocent until proven guilty is just for the Republicans. hadEnuf 9 hrs ago #68
What's wrong with wanting to see proof? Where are those unsolicited pictures? Bengus81 5 hrs ago #75
Wait for the evidence before judging Swalwell. Seems too convenient for Republicans. kiranon Yesterday #45
Here we are again catchnrelease 20 hrs ago #49
My sentiments exactly. All of it. Edwards (who I also supported)... BUT on the other hand, Franken... and Roger Stone. deurbano 11 hrs ago #61
I think Katie Porter is great TexasBushwhacker 5 hrs ago #73
This Ex-staffer, along with scores of other Ex-staffers, must be chomping at the bit to tell their stories. SalamanderSleeps 19 hrs ago #51
Damn it! EuterpeThelo 19 hrs ago #52
Everything you said. deurbano 11 hrs ago #62
Everything you said, back! EuterpeThelo 10 hrs ago #64
He needs to step down berksdem 16 hrs ago #55
I agree, and he's come out and admitted it TexasBushwhacker 7 hrs ago #69
And as is the norm LPBBEAR 10 hrs ago #63

Deminpenn

(17,539 posts)
36. It's not that odd that people who work together sometimes hang out together and drink
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 10:27 PM
Friday

Once alcohol is involved, things happen.

OldBaldy1701E

(11,231 posts)
53. That also means that, if nothing happened, no one will believe you.
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 07:40 AM
17 hrs ago

Having been in that boat before, I can relate.

I am not 'defending' anyone, I am saying that if nothing happened, it won't matter to the rabid masses who get their 'information' from our current 'media'.

The US propaganda machine is way more efficient and encompassing than the US news machine.

Think about that for a second.

Deminpenn

(17,539 posts)
59. True enough
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 09:53 AM
14 hrs ago

In my old command, Friday happy hours were de rigueur. The club was always packed, plenty of booze, music, dancing, lowered inhibitions.

Rebl2

(17,791 posts)
18. Right before
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 08:34 PM
Friday

a primary election. Interesting they just now are coming out with this information. Paid by republicans to make up lies?

CrystalwolfLady

(30 posts)
78. So weird how it just popped up.
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 08:01 PM
4 hrs ago

Right as that GOPr just got in... so weird.... it does seem weird she had BF but she "had sex" w/ him;& he was married... just so weird.

What else is weird all the people demanding... Dems & R's want him to step down from Congress & running, but these same people... not a
Single peep about Trump the pedo in chief, not one peep about him stepping down, because he IS a PEDO and a sexual pervert and CRAZY, I heard, and yesterday he was binge-watching a snuff film... Anyway, I digress, but if I were Swalwell, I'd just tell them "I'll leave when y'all DEMAND Trump leave."
Otherwise, "Kiss grits".
Here is the NYT's
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/11/us/politics/eric-swalwell-california-governor-sexual-misconduct.html?unlocked_article_code=1.aFA.dXrY.CL_kpJw4EKVl&smid=url-share


pandr32

(14,307 posts)
77. The truth is that Eric Swalwell was leading in the gubernatorial race...
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 07:49 PM
4 hrs ago

and that he has been an effective leader, a formidable force on the Judiciary Committee, and an advocate for releasing the Trump/Epstein files. Since he is relatively young he has had an open future--perhaps as a Democratic POTUS.
As for whether he has cheated on his wife or not--it is none of our business.
So far, all allegations of sexual misconduct against him are timed to throw a monkey-wrench into the California gubernatorial election (yeah Republicans) and would likely cause him to have to resign his Judiciary Committee seat, leaving the opposition to transparency and accountability strengthened.
The main accuser claims two assaults, years apart and bolstered by an ex-boyfriend who claims she told him and also had a pregnancy test. She says she can't remember anything but woke up hungover the first time and continued to work for him for several years and then, whoops! Again it happened after drinking with him at a gala.
The back-up accusers have no evidence because it all apparently happened on a self-deleting platform.
Roger Stone is involved.
So, there you have it.

maliaSmith

(207 posts)
3. accusation
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 07:03 PM
Friday

I just don't believe it. It's either the GOP or his opponents lying due to him leading all the others running. I will happily vote for Eric.

no_hypocrisy

(55,015 posts)
4. As we don't have all the factual information, I say what I always say
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 07:04 PM
Friday

when I have a criminal client: The claims may not be true, but it sure doesn't look good.

OTOH, this sure seems to follow the pattern set by the accuser of Al Franken. Improbable but someone threw a political Molotov Cocktail at Swalwell.

marble falls

(71,980 posts)
28. And the distraction caused by that dichotomy is usually out of proprtion to the alleged events themselves. ...
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 09:41 PM
Friday

... There is no way to know absolutely regardless of what your professional experience has taught you.

There's been plenty of time to make claims against him, why now? And OTOH, a lot of good people have had feet of clay and were capable of some foul things.

Either way I think his run is over.

OrwellwasRight

(5,315 posts)
80. "Either way I think his run is over."
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 08:07 PM
4 hrs ago

You may be right, and probably are. But that is the problem.

What bothers me about these kinds of accusations is that forcing someone out of the race now -- regardless of evidence -- will incentivize false accusations in the future, and then more false accusations, and then where do we land? Any Dem who is demonstrating the least amount of popularity in a race is eventually smeared? I don't want to live in that future.

To be clear, I am not saying these accusations are false. I am saying let's be careful with people's lives. Let's believe women (and men, and anyone else) when they make claims of sexual assault--believe them enough to take the claims seriously and to begin an investigation. But let's ALSO require evidence or fact finding or some kind of due process before jumping on the bandwagon to jeopardize the accused's and OUR future by running accused folks out of races. We all deserve a process. When an accusation become a proxy for facts, we don't live in a fair or democratic society, we live under mob rule.

And also to be clear, I have no opinion on these particular accusations. I have not read about them enough to form any opinion. I neither defend Swalwell nor condemn him. I just think everyone deserves due process.

marble falls

(71,980 posts)
82. It is a problem, one with no satisfactory resolution. Pisses me off. We could have had a President Franken. ...
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 08:37 PM
4 hrs ago

... nobody gets too excited about GOP depravity short of including children, ..... and sometimes even then ...... . But just simply accusing a Democrat upsets their campaigns; it isn't fair but it is what it is.

SWBTATTReg

(26,297 posts)
6. Eric's been around too long, to have accusations like this now. I suspect that this is a false attempt by some on the
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 07:14 PM
Friday

ultra-right side to paint Eric into a corner. Why haven't anything come up out of such claims before, if he's been around for 20 years?

TexasBushwhacker

(21,215 posts)
74. Yup, and Eric does say
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 07:19 PM
5 hrs ago

he hasn't been "a saint" and he owes his wife apologies.

If Eric pulls this "it was all consensual" BS like Cuomo and Clinton did, he can go straight to hell.

He's MARRIED. He's OLDER. He was HER BOSS.

38 year old bosses aren't supposed to ask their 21 year old staffers out for drinks. They aren't supposed to take that staffer back to their hotel room and have sex with them. Even if it was "consensual" it's sexual harassment BECAUSE HE WAS HER BOSS. See how EASY that is? Don't hit on your subordinates. PERIOD!!!

So now Eric won't be Governor of California. Maybe his wife will divorce him. Maybe he'll become Republican again. FUCK THAT FOOL!!!

RussBLib

(10,661 posts)
7. I like Eric's statement
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 07:17 PM
Friday

...I presume it's the first one he has issued since this aired?

Sure, I want to believe Eric. But if the evidence points to sexual assault, he is going to be in trouble. If it turns out to be consenting adults, that is something else entirely.

https://russblib.blogspot.com

Escurumbele

(4,099 posts)
12. Shame on Pelosi and Schiff. They need to keep their mouth's shut on this until the evidence, if there is
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 08:01 PM
Friday

any evidence, comes out.

It is a coincidence this come out at this time, and knowing the filth that republicans use all the time, I tend to believe this is made up, and someone is getting paid to lie.

But lets see what the truth is? In the mean time, Pelosi and Schiff must stay quiet, unless they know something we don't know.

deurbano

(2,994 posts)
19. My first choice has been Swalwell. (After Kamala decided not to run, to my great disappointment.) And I think the timing
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 08:35 PM
Friday

sucks in every way... which may not be happenstance. But that also, the evidence does not favor Swalwell:

https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/10/us/eric-swalwell-sexual-misconduct-allegations-invs

I also think it's possible that Pelosi and Schiff may have had some kind of confirmation regarding the truth of the allegations since this has been unfolding for a few days. (My daughter is a delegate to the CA Dems, and was hoping the rumors were baseless.)

mahina

(20,669 posts)
50. Iʻve been looking forward to the day I could volunteer for his Presidential run.
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 04:54 AM
19 hrs ago

This makes me sadder than my words can express. It does smell like a Stone production, in other words, a lie. But the brain wants to believe this so I have to wonder. And I think the allegation that Katy Porter had some part of it i because she and the ledger at the same school at some point seems like nonsense to me.

What a waste.

deurbano

(2,994 posts)
60. I initially assumed it was just dirty tricks. (The timing!) And it just seemed so at odds with my perspective
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 12:51 PM
11 hrs ago

on Swallwell. It is very sad, but also makes me angry about what he (allegedly) did to (first and foremost) those young women, but also his wife, his children, his extended family and friends, his staff and supporters, and the public he has had the privilege to represent. Such a betrayal, and if all true, depraved and criminal. But we just heard (so many years after the fact) about Cesar Chavez. It's all heartbreaking. Even those we think are the "good guys"... I'm 71-years-old. Why am I always so surprised? (It makes me feel like a perennially credulous Pollyanna or something.) And of course, Roger Stone also still exists, so that was my first thought, too.

mahina

(20,669 posts)
70. Same whole process over here.
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 04:58 PM
7 hrs ago

But deeply sad.

I never understood why Trump would put himself in the public spotlight knowing that he’s got so much shit in his closet

And here comes my guy

Damnit

Nobody learned anything from John Edwards? Seriously? And his beautiful Elizabeth was a DUer!.

usonian

(25,667 posts)
15. Pelosi and Schiff said that Biden should exit the race.
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 08:20 PM
Friday

In public, not to him privately that I know of, and way too late, 6 months to a year.

Bayard

(29,854 posts)
31. This
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 09:53 PM
Friday

Unless they have some true knowlege of circumstances, its not their place to pile on.

usonian

(25,667 posts)
33. Without being mean, may I point out that Schiff did a hatchet job on Katie Porter for senator, the #2 democrat in polls
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 09:58 PM
Friday

last time I looked.

So, run down her current opponent?

I just want to point out the craziness of it all.

I have a very serious decision to make.

Saying "whoever is in the lead when the ballot lands in my hands gets my vote" sounds awful, but it might amount to that, where that person could shift.

Lifeafter70

(1,058 posts)
81. I'm in the same boat
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 08:20 PM
4 hrs ago

This whole thing is heart breaking. Sad that we don't have the luxury of voting for who we belive in. I too will be voting for whatever D that holds the lead.

I'm old enough to remember both raygun and the terminator. Don't want to see two Republicans on the general ballot.

usonian

(25,667 posts)
83. Here are the latest standings I found. Might be stale already,
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 08:38 PM
4 hrs ago


wouldn't take much to beat out Bianco, only if dems can agree on a leader.

(repost)
A very heavyweight endorsement would help but not likely from within the state.

It would show commitment to party over any possible brickbats thrown their way.

Perhaps a Stephen Colbert or Pope Leo. This is not so far-fetched. These two are the only public figures in a recent poll who are above water in favorable/unfavorable.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/13244500

travelingthrulife

(5,261 posts)
25. Of course. Waving the white flag before any evidence or hearing.
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 09:30 PM
Friday

So sick of Democrats falling for Stone's dirty tricks.

hamsterjill

(17,618 posts)
10. I'm sorry, but I just don't buy this.
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 07:52 PM
Friday

If it's proven true, then so be it. But he's still innocent until proven guilty. In past posts, I've said the same thing about Timothy Busfield and Bill Clinton. If any are guilty, then they need to be held accountable.

I grow weary of all of these very old and very convenient accusations against someone who is running for office. Yes, I understand why victims don't want to come forward. But when it happens like this, it's always suspect. So, let's see if there are any facts that come to light, please, before we ruin another good candidate's career just because someone made an accusation. We've lost way too many people with this same tactic being used.

I'll wait.

Bengus81

(10,204 posts)
54. Yeah...have those "unsolicited nude messages" been provided to lawyers? If so
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 08:01 AM
16 hrs ago

that would be it for Swalwell right there.

SpankMe

(3,730 posts)
11. There's a plausible scenario we'll have 2 Repub candidates in Nov.
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 08:01 PM
Friday

With Cali's ranked choice voting, where the 2 top vote-getters will be our only choices, both could end up being Republicans if the many Dems in the race split the vote.The CA Dem party had better cull the heard real quick and coalesce around two strong candidates. The remaining Dems have to bow out ASAP. I think I've read that the ballots for the primary have already been printed and it wouldn't be possible to cull the Dem heard currently vying for the job.

We could be in real trouble here if even a hint of scandal taints our frontrunner, which seems to have happened here. A GOP engineered disinformation campaign this late will sink us.

We'd better be prepared for a disinformation campaign of our own, plus some hard choices from the Cal Dems. Our actions must be pure strategy with no political deference to any candidates who feel "entitled" to run.

As a last chance, Cal Dems should be doing what Republicans did in one of the Carolinas a few years back: When a Dem won the election for gov, the Repub legislature and outgoing Repub governor passed a ton of quickie legislation that moved a lot of gubernatorial power from the governor to the legislature. We have to play hardball here. A Repub governor here in Cali - with the power that a Cal governor has - would be devstating beyond belief.

Polybius

(21,945 posts)
13. "sexually assaulted her twice while she was too intoxicated to consent"
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 08:11 PM
Friday

More specifically, what exactly could they mean (by California's legal definition)? Did he put his hands on her, or can it mean many other things, such as asking for sex or trying to kiss her?

Quiet Em

(2,955 posts)
16. It means they had sexual intercourse
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 08:22 PM
Friday

but she is saying she was too intoxicated to consent.

Bengus81

(10,204 posts)
76. Show me the proof. If three of them got nude phone pics then someone MUST have saved
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 07:46 PM
5 hrs ago

them. Let's see them. Or... if Swalwell admits it's all true,then it's over.

Response to Jose Garcia (Original post)

BigmanPigman

(55,254 posts)
21. I just turned my TV on and already saw anti-Swalwell ads
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 08:49 PM
Friday

Then I got onto DU to see what's up regarding these ads all of a sudden out and of the blue. How in the hell were his opponents able to have an ad up on TV so fast?!? They followed that as immediately with a different one about some other dude who I never heard of. I am left questioning whose BS to believe right now.

I was trying to watch live coverage of the "splash down" in San Diego (that's where I live) and BOOM..."Swalwell never votes, is not hard working", etc. interrupted my nice evening.

BigmanPigman

(55,254 posts)
29. How do you know he is behind this?
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 09:46 PM
Friday

Last edited Sat Apr 11, 2026, 12:18 AM - Edit history (1)

I am not surprised if he is behind it but what made you mention his name specifically. I didn't see who was laying for these commercials at the bottom of the screen. I'll make sure to pay closer attention next time I see one of the ads.

BigmanPigman

(55,254 posts)
48. You're correct. I just Googled, "Is Tom Steyer tryng to discredit Eric Swalwell?"
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 02:31 AM
22 hrs ago

This was the reply...

"Yes, as of April 2026, billionaire activist and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer is actively attacking fellow candidate Representative Eric Swalwell in the California governor's race.

Attacking Professional Record: Steyer released a campaign ad slamming Swalwell for "failing to do the job he was elected to," specifically citing a high percentage of missed votes in Congress while running for governor.

Addressing Misconduct Allegations: Following reports of sexual assault allegations against Swalwell, Steyer demanded he resign from Congress and drop out of the race, stating, "My heart breaks for the women who were sexually abused by Eric Swalwell. They were failed by a political system designed to silence victims and protect power".

Amplifying Accusations: Steyer has publicly praised the alleged victims, stating their accounts must be taken seriously and that Swalwell should not be in any position of power.

Shifting Political Odds: The intensified attacks, particularly following the surfacing of allegations from former staffers, have caused a surge in Steyer's standing in the race, with betting odds showing a significant increase for him while Swalwell's plummeted.



Buddyzbuddy

(2,693 posts)
22. Since she was a staffer, you can't deny knowing her, can you?
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 09:01 PM
Friday

So, that leaves either you never touched this woman in which case, you deny, sue, and fight. But if you ever had a romantic dinner for two, touched her or anything else inappropriate do yourself a favor. Drop out yesterday, fix your marriage and leave politics for good.
Personally I hope you have a solid alibi and there's no truth to it. Which is different than saying there's no proof. That isn't good enough.

Twice? That's a bigger problem. During Covid?

If you want my vote, you gotta fix this first. After Katie stopped trying, you became my guy. So fix it or drop out now.

There's heavy campaigning against Steyer right now being paid by a Realtor's association and what looks to be a builder construction union. I think Republicans are behind the funding. Somebody please get Katie warming up in the bullpen,

deurbano

(2,994 posts)
34. And the staffer is not the only one who has come forward.
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 10:02 PM
Friday
https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/10/us/eric-swalwell-sexual-misconduct-allegations-invs

One woman is now the wife of someone who was very involved in Hillary's campaign. (It doesn't seem to just be Republican ratfucking this time.) And there is corroborating evidence (texts, photos) that he (married) was communicating with these (younger) single women, even if the more gross communication was via snapchat, which apparently disappears.

Edited to add:
I was voting for Swalwell. I've seen him at Democratic events and always liked him, and I didn't want this to be true. It's been unfolding over the last few days, but I was really hoping the rumors were unfounded. (Instead, it's much worse than I thought, and if true, it means he shouldn't be in Congress, either, but in jail.) This all SUCKS (including the timing and the jungle primary), but obviously much more so for the women.

Figarosmom

(12,249 posts)
27. Well, I've been wrong before. But I don't believe it
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 09:35 PM
Friday

And this could be the repub game plan for Nov and 2028. They've paid people before to accuse Dems of sexual assault. And if she was too drunk to consent was she also too drunk to know what happened? The Democratic party in California is screwing themselves already with so many candidates splitting the vote with their type of elections. And yeah if they end up with 2 repubs as the final candidates the Congress better get real busy moving all power to the Congress.

BidenRocks

(3,321 posts)
30. Who benefits most?
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 09:47 PM
Friday

Tom Steyer

Another rich fuck! I believe this is all crap!

Could we use the word ALLEGED in it's proper context?
Lately, alleged means guilty.
We no longer have innocent until proven guilty?
how convenient for Republicans.

Pototan

(3,162 posts)
37. I'm sorry, but
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 10:30 PM
Friday

Swalwell has to drop out of the Governor's race. There are 3 more accusers. Maybe it's a dirty trick, but losing this California Governor's race is too important.

He shouldn't resign his house seat, but he needs to clear the field for Governor.

Retrograde

(11,427 posts)
71. CA House seats follow the same election rules
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 05:21 PM
7 hrs ago

His seat is up for election in November, and the primary for it will be in June, same as all other congressional seats in the state. However, in California a person can not run for multiple offices simultaneously, and the deadline for filing is long past, so he's lost that seat.

Pototan

(3,162 posts)
72. I think you missed my point
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 06:43 PM
6 hrs ago

My point is if the top two finishers in the Governor's race are Republican, it will depress the Democratic vote in November. As a result, some winnable seats in Congress may not end up as wins.

Miguelito Loveless

(5,784 posts)
39. Interesting all the folks casting aspersions on the woman
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 10:38 PM
Friday

when she isn’t alone in the claims. We either believe women or we don’t.

jfz9580m

(17,297 posts)
46. Thanks Miguelito Loveless
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 12:38 AM
Yesterday

Last edited Sat Apr 11, 2026, 02:11 AM - Edit history (1)

It is a level of go team I don’t get. I never liked Swalwell (for other reasons) and this doesn’t surprise me.

I usually havs decent instincts though I shut up often as I am generally isolated as is.
This is why women don’t come forward.

It follows a familiar pattern. I support these women. Good for them. This is why women’s rights are in the toilet.

Fuck Swalwell..well okay unfortunate choice of words. To hell with this asshole. It is going the Cuomo way. It is upto four women. It doesn’t sound at all like a hit job.

https://edition.cnn.com/2026/04/10/us/eric-swalwell-sexual-misconduct-allegations-invs

CNN found corroboration for key elements of each of the women’s claims, including the former staffer who said she was sexually assaulted. Two family members and a friend said in interviews with CNN that she told them about the alleged 2024 assault in the following days, and CNN also reviewed text messages she sent two friends describing her allegations at the same time. “I was sexually assaulted on Thursday,” she wrote to one of her friends, adding: “By Eric.”

The woman also shared medical records related to her receiving STD and pregnancy testing after the alleged assault.

For the woman who connected online with Swalwell over Democratic politics, a family member and two friends confirmed she told them last year about the incident where she ended up intoxicated in his hotel room. CNN also reviewed messages between her and Swalwell, including a photo he sent her that matches footage of him during a CNN interview in her city on the night they met in person.

The women described a similar pattern of events: Swalwell, who is married and has three children, showed close interest in their lives when they were in their twenties and finding their footing professionally, making them feel special and even starstruck. Then, they said, he would send them increasingly sexual messages. Many said they reciprocated and engaged with him in part because of his position of power. In some cases, those inappropriate exchanges escalated to alleged unwanted physical touch or sexual assault, often tied to episodes of heavy drinking.


I support these women. I supported the women who came out against Trump, against Gaetz, against Cuomo and I support the women who have come out against Swalwell.

I don’t join fake feminist cults or any groups on the left except from a distance. I am not a group, mob or cult person. I myself brush off various online “outrage of the week” bullshit things. I was unimpressed by that Tim Hunt thing for instance. Not one of his students or postdocs said he was a harasser or a creep.. He made a stupid joke and in the context it waa not found offensive by the women present.
And some shit stirrer hyped it.

I see offensive humor and art and rarely mind except when it is creepy and that is in isolation in my room. I think Sunny in Phialdelphia for instance is one of the funniest shows I have ever seen. But it is not gratuitous. I wish this was a less serious conversation than it is.
But I have seen this for years. Genuine disregard for women’s rights, brutality towards minorities (whether it was the police brutality that triggered blm or the present vicious treatment of undocumented workers or endemic harassment of women).

It follows a tiresome pattern of mob dynamics of initial skepticism and attacks or callousness towards the targets and survivors unless there is an agenda. Followed by mob like brainless attacks on every joke that is not so toothless and defanged that no one anywhere is ever offended. Offensive stuff is sometimes the most meaningful stuff when it is is offensive sanely. What is worrying is this pattern of human mob mentality and that too when a collection of creeps in tech have taken us all hostage and force second rate solutionism.

Usually the policing of language etc and the usual sleazy craven PMC tosh that follows the original lack of giving a shit is the worst response as is online influencing. There is no respite for anyone from constant critical thinking and willingness to being wrong as unpleasant as it is. This itself sounds canned but I do know what it actually means. The whole thing strains my never very easy temper daily.

And now with worthless and parasitic ai (Ai!!!!) and clunkware vs shitty, creepy gig jobs (humans!!!) in between.

All of this leads to predictable backlashes eroding the slim gains made for progress.

Part of being human is being able to assess such things as humans who actually give a shit would.

This isn’t like the Tim Hunt thing (that is the only instance where I saw something that looked like an instance of a clunky joke that did not land getting out of proportion response from the type pf online mob that is rarely around when it is something actually serious).

These are credible sexual assault allegations against Swalwell and are very familiar to women who know that you get attacked.

Alone I will always support screwed over women and people (including decent low power men when they are unfairly attacked when alone). I respect these women and stand with them. There is nothing feminist about backing powerful women or joining mobs when you cannot back women (or men) at the bottom. I also back men at the bottom who are shat on. Life isn’t a quid pro quo or cult teamwork. It is about having some goddamn principles that can weather the test of time and circumstances.

I have only had courage finally now when things have gotten so bad that mobbing is harder since everyone is in shell shock lately. I hate mob mentality. But I am isolated enough that I need at least one person to speak out first. Usually I just leave and exit society as it gets more and more barbaric and self serving. This is a good time for me to come out.

Thanks for getting the ball rolling Miguelito Loveless.

I wish I lived in a less stupid society but I don’t. It is sad that I spend much of my time lately staring at the Many Worlds Theory and wondering why I am in this one.
I have to go pen a defence of my idiotic former mentor in the Writing Forum who was a clunker but not a bad man or sexist or a creep. Just the type who doesn’t rock the boat and those types are a strain. Maybe instead of taking some brainless PMC class he should be guided by his wife (who was a decent woman and not an Alise New-the grotesque wife of Lawrence Summers. I look at people’s spouses when I cannot assess men as well.).

A Tim Hunt is what he was. I sympathized with Hunt’s students and postdocs. I have to go write a support letter for that clunker defending him fully while making sure both complaints and support are registered as they should be.
He is a clunker as far as managing humans goes. That is usually all these ai shills. Can’t stand interacting with humans so ai or more likely “ai” is the solution.

yardwork

(69,414 posts)
57. Many of the posts about this are horrible.
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 09:00 AM
15 hrs ago

I don't immediately believe accusers. I think that accusations should be investigated. But the knee jerk misogyny here is appalling. It's like we haven't progressed at all.

RoseTrellis

(168 posts)
67. Agreed
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 03:14 PM
9 hrs ago

I’m literally shocked at some of the responses in this thread.
Like #meetoo never happened.
I get that people are disappointed, hell, I am too as a fan of some of what he represented for the future of the party.
However, at some point the evidence is too much to deny, and with party leadership saying he should drop out, it’s beyond doubt.

Deminpenn

(17,539 posts)
41. Not in CA, but have seen Swalwell a lot on MSNBC/MSNOW
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 10:46 PM
Friday

I personally found him annoying, someone who never met a camera or media he didn't like. I'm not surprised he is denying everything as he has shown a willingness to sue as he has over the J6 insurrection. Can't really identify what it is or was, but something about him never felt right to me.

But usually in cases like this, voters figure out how to coalesce around one candidate.

iemanja

(57,768 posts)
42. Of course the woman is a liar
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 10:52 PM
Friday

They always are.

If this were a Republican, people here would be screaming for his head. But if a woman dares to report a Democrat, she must never be believed.

hadEnuf

(3,628 posts)
43. Trump and his billionaire buddies traffic and screw kids, yet the torches and pichforks are out for Swalwell
Fri Apr 10, 2026, 11:52 PM
Friday

due to allegations.

We react and throw our own under the bus at a moments notice. Imagine if we held Republicans to that standard?

halobeam

(5,098 posts)
47. Imagine if Republicans held Republicans to this standard.
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 01:02 AM
23 hrs ago

Any and all those deserving should be held accountable in every way.

It's just a mindfuck though, to see the felon in the Whitehouse, with us in the fight of our lives trying to get the full Epstein file, while in a couple days every detail of the Swalwell accusations make it to every major media outlet that exists.

It all should be out in the open.

hadEnuf

(3,628 posts)
68. I guess innocent until proven guilty is just for the Republicans.
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 03:16 PM
9 hrs ago

We have our own Al Franken Lynch Mob

kiranon

(1,740 posts)
45. Wait for the evidence before judging Swalwell. Seems too convenient for Republicans.
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 12:23 AM
Yesterday

Easy to cast out bad news. Let's see what is true and what is not. Believe in hearing what women have to say but this is just too near the primary and too convenient for Republicans that it casts doubt on this person's claims. Too drunk to remember what actually occurred? Who knows. But, look to who benefits. And, who loses.

catchnrelease

(2,154 posts)
49. Here we are again
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 04:43 AM
20 hrs ago

I feel like I'm having deja vu. I was all in for John Edwards when he ran for pres. Didn't believe the 'rumors' at first, then find out it was all true. Such a let down.

I haven't made up my mind on who I'm voting for in the CA primary yet, but now have to deal with this crap again. I want good evidence and lean towards believing the women, but I also remember Al Franken's ordeal. And with Roger Stone involved how can it be credible?

We can't let an R get in as our gov, but what is our best alternative to Swalwell if it comes to him being out? Becerra? Katie?

deurbano

(2,994 posts)
61. My sentiments exactly. All of it. Edwards (who I also supported)... BUT on the other hand, Franken... and Roger Stone.
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 01:04 PM
11 hrs ago

I'm thinking Steyer might be the best alternative... which would have been unfathomable to me four days ago when my daughter first heard the rumors. It just seems like Porter is not very popular, anymore, even among Democrats, and Steyer is the only other frontrunner. We need someone to break into the lead FAST with this stupid jungle primary. Maybe if the electeds get behind Porter? I feel it would be hard for them to land on Becerra, given his polling?

TexasBushwhacker

(21,215 posts)
73. I think Katie Porter is great
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 07:00 PM
5 hrs ago

and I'm pretty sure she never asked her driver to go down on her.

SalamanderSleeps

(1,031 posts)
51. This Ex-staffer, along with scores of other Ex-staffers, must be chomping at the bit to tell their stories.
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 05:14 AM
19 hrs ago

Pro Wrestling is fake, Pro Wrestling is fake, Pro Wrestling is fake.

Pro Wrestling is only real to those that need it be.

EuterpeThelo

(385 posts)
52. Damn it!
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 05:43 AM
19 hrs ago

He was my first choice, mainly because of his outspoken criticism of the regime. I too am wary about the Stone involvement but there seem to be a LOT of receipts in this case. In any event, I think his candidacy is cooked either way.

I don't trust Steyer - his response to all this was way too self-serving and the CoreCivic money makes me sick. Have met him in person at an event supporting Adam Schiff many years ago now and liked him enough, but I also don't think billionaires are the answer to our problems (though I'll give a pass to Pritzker).

I ADORED Porter in the House but feel she has shown too much ego-driven behavior and poor judgment (giving up a not-safe House seat to run for Senate when it REALLY mattered who held the House, complaining the Senate race was "rigged&quot . Comes down to brass tacks, I think I will end up voting for her, albeit holding my nose.

I don't know if any of the other Dems can pull enough votes and I am TERRIFIED of having an R gov - I'm old enough to remember Pete Wilson and Ahhhhnold.

FUCK. NOW WHAT!?!?

deurbano

(2,994 posts)
62. Everything you said.
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 01:13 PM
11 hrs ago

Except I'm (at this point) considering Steyer (holding my nose) if it seems he has the best chance to break through quickly. And it pisses me off that the major advantage he has for that goal is his money! Oh, and being white and male, of course. I SO wish Kamala had agreed to run because I believe she would have easily shattered those two glass ceilings.

EuterpeThelo

(385 posts)
64. Everything you said, back!
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 01:59 PM
10 hrs ago

Is it too late for Kamala to declare!?!?! I adore her, have been following her since the mid-aughts as our AG and she was my first pick in 2019 during the primaries. (In fact, my mom and I went to a rally for her and were interviewed by CNN - the only quote they printed from us was me talking about the need to expand the So-Reamed Court.)

I have supported her enthusiastically in every race she's run. I also firmly believe she actually won in 11/2024 (whether that was due to tossing legit voters off the rolls or Elon's mucking about or whatever, and I give two tosses about anyone saying that thinking that makes me as bad as MAGA; that's an argument for another day).

All that said, I'd so rather see her focus on our state for a few years than run again in 2028.

berksdem

(923 posts)
55. He needs to step down
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 08:38 AM
16 hrs ago

New accusations from other women. This does not look good. If it were a rethug you candidate we would all be calling for their head.

Don’t move the goalposts bc he is a Dem. It’s not a good look.

TexasBushwhacker

(21,215 posts)
69. I agree, and he's come out and admitted it
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 04:54 PM
7 hrs ago

"hasn't been a saint, but has committed no crime and has apologized to his wife".

HOKAY - I don't care how "consensual" he thought it was, he's not supposed to have sex with a member of his staff, especially one much younger, under the influence of alcohol. That's called SEXUAL HARASSMENT because of the balance of power. It's inappropriate and immoral at the very least and possibly ILLEGAL. We went through this shit with Andrew Cuomo.

I don't live in California, but I'm done with Swalwell.

"In 2019, when she was driving Swalwell around his district as part of her staff duties, he told her to stop in a parking lot, pulled out his penis, and asked her to give him oral sex, she said. She said she briefly complied, before stopping and telling Swalwell she was uncomfortable.

“He said to me, ‘You’re right, it’s probably not good for a congressman to be caught with his pants down,’” she told CNN."

So he asked a 21 year old staffer for road head, while portraying himself as a faithful family man. In 2020, I remember a picture of him taking his little daughter to see Ruth Bader Ginsburg lying in state. You know what? FUCK THAT GUY!!!

Now, Gavin Newsome has came out and admitted he had a brief affair with a married staffer in 2005 when he was divorcing Kimberly Guilfoyle. They both agreed it was wrong, but Newsome got out ahead of it. He admitted it and apologized. He also admitted he went to rehab to stop drinking. He didn't wait to get exposed by the press. GOOD IDEA!

I like Katie Porter anyway.

LPBBEAR

(659 posts)
63. And as is the norm
Sat Apr 11, 2026, 01:56 PM
10 hrs ago

these days.

Democrats in Congress will expend more time and energy trying to expel one of their own who has been accused but not proven than they will expend on expelling the one in the White House who has been accused and PROVEN of sexual assault.

Bait hook fish

(sigh)

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Ex-staffer accuses Eric S...