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Nancy Pelosi, Hakeem Jeffries and more prominent Democrats are reacting to claims Eric Swalwell, a Democratic congressman representing California’s 14th congressional district, sexually assaulted and harassed multiple women.
“This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability,” Pelosi said in a statement in response to the allegations. “As I discussed with Congressman Swalwell, it is clear that this is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”
Swalwell was the lead candidate in the race for California governor when four women, including a former staffer, accused the congressman of sexual assault and harassment, including rape.
“I kept figuring out ways to blame myself: I shouldn’t have reached out to him at all, I should have left, I should have done this,” one woman, who wished to remain anonymous when speaking to CNN for an investigation into the alleged incidents, said. “Well, Eric shouldn’t have raped me.”
Swalwell has vehemently denied all the allegations against him, vowing to “fight” the claims with “everything” he has. Us Weekly reached out to the representative for comment.
“A lot has been said about me today through anonymous allegations. I thought it was important that you see and hear from me directly,” the congressman said in a video shared via social media on April 10, 2026. “These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything I have. “
Eric Swalwell Getty Images
He continued, “They also come on the eve of an election, where I have been the frontrunner candidate for governor of California. I do not suggest to you in any way that I am perfect or that I’m a saint — I have certainly 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 potion.” (Swalwell shares three children, Nelson, Cricket and Hank, with his wife, Brittany Watts.)
Below are the prominent Democrats who have issued public statements in response to the claims against Swalwell.
Nancy Pelosi
“This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability,” Nancy Pelosi said in a statement, per Politico. “As I discussed with Congressman Swalwell, it is clear that this is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”
Hakeem Jeffries
“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,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a joint statement alongside Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar.
“This is unacceptable of anyone — certainly not an elected official — and must be taken seriously,” the statement continued. “We commend the courageous women for sharing their experiences. In this and all circumstances, we must ensure that those who come forward with allegations of sexual assault and harassment are heard and respected. All perpetrators of sexual assault and harassment must be held accountable.”
Adam Gray
The Democrat from California, who served as a campaign co-chair for Eric Swalwell, called the reports of Swalwell’s alleged conduct “deeply disturbing.”
“Harassment, abuse, and violence of any sort are unacceptable,” his statement continued. “Given these serious allegations, I am withdrawing my support and Eric Swalwell should end his campaign immediately.”
Ro Khanna
“No one in a position of power should be allowed to act above the law or with impunity,” Ro Khanna, a representative of California, said in a written statement. “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.”
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
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