Embattled Rep. Eric Swalwell on Friday night issued a full-throated denial of sexual misconduct and rape allegations leveled against him, calling them “absolutely false” while issuing an apology to his wife.
“These allegations of sexual assault are flat false,” the Democratic candidate for California governor said in a more than minute-long video on social media. “They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything I have.”
Swalwell was forced to swat down scathing allegations of sexual misconduct brought by four women this week — including a former staffer who claims he raped her in 2024.
In the video, the dad of three apologized to Brittany Watts, his wife of nine years, saying he’s made “mistakes in judgment in my past.”
“But those mistakes are between me and my wife, and to her I apologize deeply for putting her in this position,” he said.
He then turned his attention to his constituents, apologizing if he had shaken their support for him — while confidently stressing that they “know who I am.”
Swalwell also blasted the timing of the allegations, insisting they came as he remains the “frontrunner” in his gubernatorial race. He also pointed to his courtroom record advocating for victims of sexual assault.
“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.”
Hear it directly from me. These allegations are flat false. And I will fight them. pic.twitter.com/bQSlCquD1U
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) April 11, 2026
A former congressional staffer accused Swalwell of sexually assaulting her on two occasions when she was too intoxicated to consent, including at a April 2024 charity gala in New York.
The staffer claimed the alleged attack left her bruised and bleeding — and said she woke up naked next to him in a hotel room during a separate 2019 incident.
At least three other women also accused the Democrat of sexual misconduct, CNN reported.
One woman said she also woke up naked next to him in a hotel following a drunken night out, while another claimed Swalwell sent her nudes on Snapchat after chatting about politics online.
Democrats came out in force Friday demanding the Golden State pol drop out of the governor’s race and calling for an investigation — while stopping short of asking him to step down from Congress.
“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,” Jeffries and 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.”
Meanwhile, Colorado GOP Rep. Lauren Boebert said she will introduce a motion to censure Swalwell.
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