(The Center Square) — Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is investigating allegations that Rep. Eric Swalwell sexually assaulted a former staffer at a hotel in New York City two years ago, and is asking other possible victims to come forward.
The investigation follows reports by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN last week that accused the top Democratic candidate for governor of California of sexually assaulting several women, including the victim in New York, who was not identified.
“We urge survivors and anyone with knowledge of these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373,” Bragg’s office said in a statement Saturday. “Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators, and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner.”
Three other women also accused Swalwell of misconduct, according to published reports. The women claim the lawmaker sent them unsolicited nude photographs or explicit messages.
Swalwell, who was first elected to Congress in 2012, has strongly denied the sexual assault claims and is vowing to fight them. But on Sunday, he suspended his gubernatorial campaign, saying he needs time to fight the allegations.
“I am suspending my campaign for Governor,” he posted on X. “To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.”
But a chorus of top Democrats is calling on him to step down from Congress before the end of his term in January. Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington said she would vote to expel Swalwell if legislative leaders don’t initiate proceedings to remove him, and Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas, who is also under investigation for sexual misconduct.
“I am sick and tired of men in positions of power getting away with sexual harassment, assault and abuse,” Jayapal said in a statement. “Representatives Gonzales and Swalwell should resign. Otherwise, I would vote to expel them.”
Meanwhile, more than 50 former Swalwell staffers signed on to a letter earlier Sunday calling on him to drop out of the race and resign from Congress, CNN reported.
“The allegations reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN are serious, credible, and demand accountability,” the letter said. “We stand unequivocally with our colleague, who showed extraordinary courage in coming forward to share her truth. We believe her.”
