Eric Swalwell Faces Sexual Assault Allegations and Manhattan DA Investigation

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office confirmed on April 11, 2026, that it has launched an investigation into sexual assault allegations against Representative Eric Swalwell, a Democratic congressman from California who is currently a candidate for governor of that state.

The investigation is being conducted by the district attorney’s Special Victims Division. The probe follows public reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN detailing accusations of sexual misconduct and assault.

Allegations of Sexual Assault

A former staffer who previously worked in the district office of Representative Swalwell has accused the congressman of two nonconsensual sexual encounters. According to reporting by the San Francisco Chronicle, the woman alleged that she was too intoxicated to consent during both incidents.

The first incident allegedly occurred in California in 2019 while the woman was employed by Swalwell. The second incident allegedly took place in a New York City hotel room in 2024 following an awards event. In an interview with CNN, the woman, whose face was obscured, directly accused Swalwell of raping her during the New York encounter, stating that she had told him to stop.

Under New York law, a person is considered unable to consent to sexual activity if they are physically helpless or mentally incapacitated due to the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, legal standards in some cases may determine that voluntary intoxication does not necessarily negate consent.

Additional Misconduct Claims

Beyond the allegations from the former staffer, CNN reported that three other women have accused Representative Swalwell of sexual misconduct. These allegations include the sending of unsolicited explicit messages and naked images of his penis, as well as unwanted touching.

One woman alleged that the congressman kissed her without her consent in a public setting. Another woman, Ally Sammarco, told NBC News that she was 24 years old and seeking employment on Capitol Hill when she first met Swalwell, who subsequently invited her to his office in Washington, D.C.

Defense and Political Impact

Representative Swalwell has denied the allegations of sexual assault. His attorney, Elias Dabaie, has characterized the claims as a coordinated political attack.

The allegations have created a crisis for Swalwell’s campaign for governor of California. The congressman is facing increasing calls to withdraw from the race, and reports indicate that political allies have begun withdrawing their support.

District Attorney’s Request for Information

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has urged any survivors or individuals with knowledge of these allegations to contact prosecutors. The office stated that its staff is trained to handle such matters in a survivor-centered and trauma-informed manner.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373.