The Manhattan District Attorney's Office in New York has announced an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against US Congressman and California gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell. Four women have accused him of misconduct ranging from sexual harassment to rape, including an alleged incident in New York. Swalwell denies the claims, vowing to defend himself with "facts".

The investigation commenced a day after the San Francisco Chronicle published allegations from a former staff member, who claimed Swalwell assaulted her twice—in September 2019 and in 2024 after a charity gala in New York—stating she was too intoxicated to consent on both occasions. CNN also reported accusations from four women alleging sexual misconduct, with Swalwell's legal team sending cease-and-desist letters to two accusers. The New York prosecutor's office urged survivors to contact its Special Victims Division, emphasizing a trauma-informed approach.

Following the allegations, Swalwell lost backing for the governor's race from prominent supporters, including Senator Adam Schiff and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. His congressional and campaign aides issued a statement expressing horror at the allegations and solidarity with the accusers. In a Facebook video, Swalwell reiterated his denial, admitting to "mistakes in judgment" in his past but asserting they were private matters with his wife, for whom he apologized.

These developments occur at a crucial juncture in the wide-open primary race to replace outgoing Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom in the nation's most populous state. Swalwell had been projected as a frontrunner among Democratic candidates, but the crowded field risks splitting the party's vote. This raises a grim prospect for Democrats: they could be excluded from November's general election if two Republican candidates finish first in June's primary, highlighting the regime's internal political turmoil and electoral vulnerabilities.

Source: www.bbc.com