According to the Chronicle story, the reporters reviewed text messages between the woman and a friend she told about the alleged 2024 assault three days later, as well as medical records detailing a doctor’s visit a week later, where she took STD tests and a pregnancy test. The story also quotes the woman’s then-boyfriend, who confirmed she told him about the alleged assault and encouraged her to go to the police.
For weeks, progressive content creators on TikTok and X had discussed vague claims of sexual misconduct against Swalwell. After a town hall in Sacramento on Tuesday, Swalwell was asked by KCRA whether he ever behaved inappropriately with female staffers. He said “no.”
After the Chronicle story was published Friday, multiple candidates in the governor’s race, including former Rep. Katie Porter, investor Tom Steyer, former State Controller Betty Yee, San José Mayor Matt Mahan and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, called on Swalwell to end his campaign.
Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who was co-chair of Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign, said he was stepping away immediately and urged Swalwell to “leave the race now so there can be full accountability without doubt, distraction, or delay.”
Rep. Nancy Pelosi, a longtime ally of Swalwell’s, indicated she had spoken with him and urged him to leave the governor’s race. She characterized the allegations as serious and called for the woman to be “respected and heard.”
“This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability,” she said. “As I discussed with Congressman Swalwell, it is clear that is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”
And Gov. Gavin Newsom, who’s so far stayed out of the governor’s race, said through a spokesperson: “As we continue to learn more, these allegations from multiple sources are deeply troubling and must be taken seriously.”
Recent public polling has put Swalwell in the top tier of candidates, along with fellow Democrats Porter and Steyer, as well as two Republicans — commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
In recent weeks, a wide range of powerful players at the state Capitol threw their endorsements and money behind Swalwell, including the California Teachers Association, SEIU, the California Medical Association and Uber.
On Friday afternoon, after the Chronicle published its story, the CTA said it was immediately suspending its support while its board prepared to meet to discuss next steps. SEIU California said it had “suspended campaign activities and expenditures” ahead of a meeting of its leaders.
