Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell has publicly addressed a series of online allegations concerning inappropriate behavior involving female staff members, as California's gubernatorial primary election draws nearer. The claims, which have circulated widely across social media platforms in recent days, prompted a formal and strong denial from Swalwell’s campaign. The East Bay lawmaker, who is currently considered among the leading candidates in the crowded Democratic field, categorically rejected the accusations, labeling them as unfounded.
Micah Beasley, a spokesperson for Swalwell’s campaign, issued a statement disputing both the substance of the allegations and their timing. According to the New York Post, Beasley stated, “This false, outrageous rumor is being spread 27 days before an election begins by flailing opponents who have sadly teamed up with MAGA conspiracy theorists because they know Eric Swalwell is the frontrunner in this race.” This statement underscores the campaign’s belief that the allegations are politically motivated and designed to influence the upcoming primary.
The accusations were initially brought to public attention by Cheyenne Hunt, a Democratic activist and former congressional candidate, through a series of videos posted on TikTok. In these posts, Hunt claimed to be working with individuals who were prepared to share their accounts of alleged misconduct. Earlier this month, Hunt stated in a video, “I am personally working with a group of women who want to come forward and share their stories. I am also aware of a much larger group that is also in this process that I am not personally working with.” Hunt also alleged that staff members associated with Congressman Swalwell had been required to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), which she claimed effectively prevented them from speaking publicly about their experiences.
Swalwell’s campaign firmly denied the existence of any such NDAs. Beasley countered this specific assertion, stating, “In 13 years, no one in Eric Swalwell’s Congressional office has ever been asked to sign an NDA. Ever.” Beasley further emphasized the congressman's unblemished record regarding ethics complaints, adding, “In 13 years, not a single ethics complaint by any staff in his office or any other office has ever been lodged. Ever.” The spokesperson highlighted Swalwell’s professional background as a prosecutor and his public stance on related issues, saying, “As a prosecutor, Eric Swalwell spent his career fighting for women.” Beasley continued, “As a Representative, he has demanded accountability for convicted abusers like Donald Trump and has pushed for the full release of House Ethics Committee records related to any allegation of misconduct against any Member of Congress. And as Governor, Eric Swalwell will continue to fight for the rights of all women.”
Following media coverage of the Swalwell campaign’s response, Hunt posted a rebuttal on the social media platform X. She criticized the campaign’s tactics, stating, “Smearing survivors with claims that they ‘teamed up with MAGA’ is morally repugnant.” Hunt reaffirmed her commitment to the women involved, adding, “These women are brave and deserve to be heard. We are working with legal counsel and the investigative team of a highly reputable outlet to ensure that those stories are told the right way.” Another online personality, Arielle Fodor, who had also discussed the allegations publicly, dismissed the campaign’s characterization of her involvement. In an email to The Post, Fodor stated, “My comment on the record: If they think I have teamed up with MAGA, they are cracked in the head.”
The unfolding controversy occurs as Congressman Swalwell maintains a leading position in several recent polls within the Democratic primary race for governor. His campaign has also secured significant endorsements from major labor and professional organizations, including SEIU California, the California Teachers Association, and California Professional Firefighters, indicating strong institutional support.
In a separate but notable development, Swalwell has recently been involved in a matter related to national security reporting. He reportedly threatened legal action against FBI Director Kash Patel, who is said to be preparing to release files concerning Christine Fang, also known as Fang Fang. Fang was identified in prior reporting as a Chinese intelligence operative who had contacts with political figures, including involvement in campaign-related activities tied to Swalwell. It is important to note that Congressman Swalwell has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with this situation.
Political strategist Elizabeth Ashford offered insights into typical campaign responses to unverified allegations. Ashford commented, “A campaign can’t let rumors get legs. The days of waiting this kind of thing out are over, that strategy died awhile ago.” She cautioned, “Obviously everything changes if there’s a substantiated allegation. But that hasn’t happened here.”
The Democratic primary field for California governor remains robust, featuring several high-profile candidates competing for voter support. Among them are former Representative Katie Porter and businessman Tom Steyer, both of whom have registered double-digit support in polls. Additional contenders include former Attorney General Xavier Becerra, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former State Controller Betty Yee, Superintendent Tony Thurmond, and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. On the Republican side, former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco have garnered measurable support, contributing to concerns among some Democratic strategists about the potential for Republican candidates to advance beyond the primary.
Larry Gerston, a professor emeritus of political science at San José State University, suggested that an intensification of political conflict is to be expected as the election approaches. Gerston remarked, “As the campaign gets closer to the end, there’s going to be a lot of charges going back and forth from all sides because there is no leader in the race.” He also issued a caution against drawing conclusions without verified information, stating, “I would be very careful to not give credence to something unless it is verifiable, and if it is — all horns should be blaring.” As of this reporting, no formal complaints or independently verified findings related to the allegations against Congressman Swalwell have been publicly disclosed. The situation remains fluid as the primary election date approaches.
