Manhattan DA Investigating Eric Swalwell

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced on April 11, 2026, that it has launched an investigation into Representative Eric Swalwell following allegations of sexual assault.

The investigation centers on an accusation that the California Democrat sexually assaulted a former staffer in April 2024 at a hotel in New York City.

The announcement from the District Attorney’s office on April 11, 2026, followed reporting from CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle regarding the claims.

Details of the Allegations

A former aide to Representative Swalwell told CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle that she was heavily intoxicated after a night of drinking with him in New York City in April 2024.

The woman alleges that she woke up in a hotel bed to find Swalwell having sex with her while she was unable to consent.

According to the woman, she attempted to stop the encounter, stating, I was pushing him off of me, saying no and that He didn’t stop.

NBC News confirmed that the woman worked for Representative Swalwell from 2019 until 2021. The woman stated that the alleged assault occurred after she had stopped working in his office.

District Attorney’s Response

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office confirmed the investigation on April 11, 2026 and issued a call for other potential victims to come forward.

We urge survivors and anyone with knowledge of these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373. Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner.

Manhattan District Attorney’s Office

Additional Misconduct Claims

The investigation follows reports that the former staffer is one of four women who described allegations of misconduct by Representative Swalwell to CNN.

Other women alleged that the congressman sent them explicit messages or unsolicited nude photographs.

Response from Representative Swalwell

Representative Swalwell denied the allegations in a statement to CNN and in a video posted to social media on April 10, 2026.

In his statement, he characterized the allegations as false and asserted that they were timed to coincide with the eve of an election in which he is a front-runner for the governor of California.

Representative Swalwell, who previously served as a prosecutor, stated that he has served the public for nearly 20 years and has always protected women.

He further stated that he intends to defend himself with facts and will bring legal action where necessary.

Professional Background

Representative Swalwell is currently a candidate for governor of California.

His political career includes serving as a member of Congress and running for the Democratic nomination for president during the 2020 primary.

Before his tenure in Congress, he worked as a prosecutor.