California’s already crowded race for governor is being shaken by a wave of controversy surrounding Eric Swalwell, as political rivals intensify their criticism in the lead-up to the June primary.
According to Fox News, the Democratic lawmaker is under scrutiny following allegations of sexual misconduct involving female staffers and other women — claims he has strongly denied.
The accusations, which have not been substantiated publicly, have nonetheless become a flashpoint in the high-stakes contest to succeed Gavin Newsom.
Former Antonio Villaraigosa took aim at Swalwell this week, accusing him of avoiding public accountability.
“I’m very disappointed in Eric Swalwell,” Villaraigosa said on social media. “As more and more women come forward with sexual harassment allegations, Swalwell skipped town to avoid facing tough questions about these allegations.”
He continued, “If Swalwell wants voters to trust him, he needs to show up, stop hiding behind his campaign staff and social media accounts, and answer every question from reporters and the public. Voters deserve nothing less.”
Swalwell’s campaign quickly pushed back, disputing claims that the congressman has been unavailable to voters or the press.
“Congressman Swalwell spoke to more than 1,000 town hall attendees for nearly 90 minutes Tuesday in Sacramento,” spokesperson Micah Beasley said. “Afterward, he met with members of the media to answer their questions.”
Beasley added that Swalwell missed a candidate forum due to prior commitments but had previously engaged with the group hosting the event.
The allegations themselves have circulated largely through political and activist circles, including claims made by Cheyenne Hunt, a former Democratic staffer and attorney.
Hunt has said she is working with multiple women who intend to come forward, though no accusers have publicly identified themselves and no verifiable evidence has been presented.
“The Democratic candidate currently leading in the California governor’s race has a known history of being predatory towards women,” Hunt alleged in a social media post.
She also shared a message she said was sent to her privately, which claimed, “You know, Eric Swalwell has slept with many of his interns and makes them all sign [non-disclosure agreements] so they don’t speak up, right? And when I was 19, he tried hitting on me and sliding into my DMs.”
Swalwell’s campaign has dismissed the accusations as “outrageous” and suggested political motivations behind them.
Other candidates have weighed in more cautiously. Former Rep. Katie Porter described the situation as concerning, while emphasizing support for potential accusers.
“It is those women’s stories to tell when they are ready, and I hope that they feel safe and supported if they choose to do so,” Porter said. “I believe women. I think that has to be the starting place here. So when those women speak up, I will be there, helping to amplify their truths.”
Meanwhile, Democratic operative Bhavik Lathia urged his party to take the allegations seriously.
“Hey, I just got off the phone with a trusted friend. This is real. Take it seriously. Eric Swallwell cannot be our nominee. There is going to be a lot more coming out soon. I can’t say more right now, but stay tuned,” he wrote online.
The controversy unfolds as a number of candidates compete in the primary, including Trump-backed Steve Hilton, Chad Bianco, and businessman Tom Steyer.
Swalwell, who has served in Congress since 2013, launched his gubernatorial campaign in late 2025. As the primary approaches, the unresolved allegations are adding new uncertainty to an already competitive race.
