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By Gabe Whisnant
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U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell’s campaign for California governor was reeling Friday as multiple senior aides abruptly resigned and the Democrat lost key endorsements following new allegations that he sexually assaulted a former staffer—accusations that Swalwell has forcefully denied.
According to Politico, at least four people have departed Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign in recent days, including Courtni Pugh, strategic adviser who served as the campaign’s top liaison to organized labor groups. Pugh confirmed her resignation to the outlet but declined to comment further. Two other people familiar with internal campaign discussions spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the departures.
In a statement released Friday, Swalwell rebuked the allegations and said they were politically motivated.
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“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,” the statement said. “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.”
Newsweek has reached out to the Swalwell campaign via email on Friday afternoon for comment.
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Sexual Assault Allegations Against Eric Swalwell: What to Know
The campaign shake‑up and mass of lost endorsements follow a report by the San Francisco Chronicle that a former staffer accused Swalwell of having sexual encounters with her while she worked for him and of sexually assaulting her twice when she was too intoxicated to consent. The woman was not publicly identified.
Top aides left the campaign shortly before the story was published. Soon afterward, U.S. Representative Jimmy Gomez said in a statement that he was stepping down from the campaign and urged Swalwell to exit the race.
“Today I learned shocking information about Eric Swalwell containing the ugliest and most serious accusations imaginable,” Gomez said in a statement. “My involvement in any campaign begins and ends with trust. I cannot in good conscience remain in any role with this campaign, and I am stepping down from it effective immediately.”
Later Friday, CNN reported that a former staffer accused Swalwell of sexually assaulting her on two occasions, including once while she was intoxicated and no longer working for him, allegations Swalwell has strongly denied. Three other women also told CNN they experienced separate instances of alleged sexual misconduct by Swalwell, including unsolicited explicit messages and inappropriate physical contact.
Swalwell denied all allegations, said they were false and politically motivated, and his attorneys sent cease‑and‑desist letters to some accusers, warning of potential legal action.
California Democratic Party Chairman Rusty Hicks said the allegations are "deeply disturbing."
"First, the stories of victims and survivors should be heard and believed. Period. Second, any person engaged in misconduct must take responsibility and be held accountable for their actions - including a Member of Congress and candidate for Governor," Hicks said. "Finally, my call for all - repeat, all - candidates for Governor to 'honestly assess the viability of their candidacy and campaign' still stands. In fact, that call is more important now than ever before."
Swalwell has been viewed as a Democratic front-runner in a wide-open race to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, who is unable to run for a third term and is considering a presidential run.
Former California Congresswoman Katie Porter, among dozens of Democrats to file paperwork to run in June's gubernatorial primary, called the allegations against Swalwell "horrifying."
"I’m thinking of the courageous women who have come forward to share their stories. We believe you and we stand with you," Porter wrote on X.
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Eric Swalwell's Lost Endorsements Amid Sexual Assault Allegations
Top Democrats and groups that are pulling their endorsement of Swalwell for California governor:
California Democratic Representative Nancy Pelosi effectively called on Swalwell to drop out of the race: “This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability. As I discussed with Congressman Swalwell, it is clear that is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”
California Democratic U.S. Senator Adam Schiff dropped his Swalwell endorsement on Friday afternoon, posting on X: "I have read the San Francisco Chronicle’s account and I am deeply distressed by its allegations. This woman was brave to come forward, and we should take her story seriously. I am withdrawing my endorsement immediately, and believe that he should withdraw from the race."
California Democratic Representative Ro Khanna, on X: "Meeting with Epstein survivors has taught me how much trauma survivors endure and how much courage it takes for them to speak up. No one in a position of power should be allowed to act above the law or with impunity. It doesn’t matter what office you hold, how wealthy you are, or which political party you align with. The same rules must apply to Eric Swalwell. There must be the appropriate law enforcement investigations and House ethics investigations. He must be held accountable. There cannot be two tiers of justice in this nation.
"These allegations are deeply serious and warrant a full investigation. Survivors deserve to be heard and treated with dignity and respect. Given the gravity of these claims, Rep. Eric Swalwell should step aside to ensure a full, transparent investigation free from undue influence."
Democratic Representative Doris Matsui of California, in a statement: "The allegations against Congressman Swalwell are deeply disturbing and disqualifying for anyone seeking to lead our state or be in any position of public trust. I can no longer endorse his campaign."
Former Los Angeles Democratic Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, on X: "All victims deserve compassion and deep respect for the courage to come forward, speak their truth, and hold their abusers accountable. Today's reporting on the horrific allegations that Eric Swalwell abused his position and repeatedly sexually assaulted a staffer is shocking and reprehensible. Further, Eric Swalwell’s attempt to silence victims to save his campaign for Governor – a campaign he was unfit to enter given these allegations – is a shameful disgrace to our democracy. Now that victims are finally being heard, it has become abundantly clear that Eric Swalwell must withdraw from the governor’s race and immediately resign from Congress. I’m calling on him to live by the words that he has repeatedly professed, and encourage all victims to come forward to speak freely without fear of threats or legal retribution from Mr. Swalwell so that he can face accountability for his alleged actions. In California, WE BELIEVE WOMEN AND NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW."
Swalwell on Friday also lost backing of the California Teachers Association Friday, which said in a statement: "The allegations are incredibly disturbing and unacceptable against Rep. Swalwell. We are immediately suspending our support. Our elected board will be meeting as soon as possible to follow our union’s democratic process to determine next steps."
Arizona U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego, on X: "I’ve read the San Francisco Chronicle’s reporting and I take it seriously. What is described is indefensible. Women who come forward with accounts like this deserve to be heard with respect, not questioned or dismissed. I regret having come to his defense on social media prior to knowing all the information. I am equally as shocked and upset about what has transpired. I am withdrawing my endorsement of Congressman Swalwell, effective immediately."
Updates: 4/10/26, 7:54 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
Correction: 4/10/26, 9:29 p.m. ET: This article was updated to reflect that Antonio Villaraigosa is a former mayor of Los Angeles.
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