Former Rep. Eric Swalwell is facing a growing list of allegations about his personal conduct, with new details continuing to emerge about his interactions with women during his time in office.
According to reporting that includes interviews with multiple women, Swalwell is accused of sending explicit photos and videos through Snapchat and initiating contact with women on social media platforms, including LinkedIn. Some of these interactions allegedly took place while he was married. The accounts describe a pattern of behavior that surprised recipients, particularly given Swalwell’s public profile as a Democratic lawmaker.
One woman told CNN she was caught off guard after receiving a message from Swalwell following a brief interaction at an event. Another, a former congressional staffer, said their communication began after she had left Capitol Hill and later turned into a personal relationship. She claimed that over time, Swalwell sent her explicit images and videos, which she later shared with investigators.
Swalwell’s attorney has acknowledged that he had extramarital relationships but maintains that all interactions were consensual. The lawyer pushed back strongly on any suggestion of misconduct, drawing a distinction between personal behavior and allegations of wrongdoing.
Swalwell himself has not addressed the specific claims in detail, though he has referenced “mistakes” in his personal life. He has denied accusations of assault.
The controversy has already had political consequences. Swalwell stepped down from Congress and ended a planned run for governor shortly after the allegations became public. Questions have also surfaced about his use of campaign funds, particularly related to travel and hotel expenses. Records show significant spending on accommodations in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, though it remains unclear whether any of those expenses were directly tied to the allegations.
Some former colleagues have described a disconnect between Swalwell’s public persona and his private behavior, though those characterizations remain subjective and contested.
The situation has also drawn attention to his family. Swalwell has been married since 2016 and has three children. His wife, Brittany Watts, has largely stayed out of the spotlight but was recently seen traveling with their children.
Despite stepping away from elected office, reports suggest Swalwell has remained active on social media, including Snapchat, where some of the alleged interactions took place.
