This episode contains descriptions of sexual assault.

Until last week, former Rep. Eric Swalwell, a Democrat from Dublin, was a leading candidate for governor.

But on Friday, a former staffer accused Swalwell of sexual assault. In interviews with the San Francisco Chronicle, former staff member said Swalwell sexually assaulted her when she was too intoxicated to consent in both 2019 and 2024, after multiple inappropriate advances both on Snapchat and in person. Since then, at least four more women have come forward, including one who alleges she was violently raped by Swalwell in 2018.

Swalwell denies these allegations. But within days, after supporters fled his campaign and called for him to step down, he ended his run for governor and resigned his Congressional seat.

Links:

SF Chronicle: Ex-staffer says Eric Swalwell, candidate for California governor, sexually assaulted her
KQED: Eric Swalwell Is Out of the Governor’s Race and Resigning From Congress. What Happens Now?
CalMatters: Woman alleges violent sexual assault by Eric Swalwell: 'He raped me'

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