An ex-staff member of Representative Eric Swalwell, a prominent Democratic contender for California governor, has accused him of rape, stating she was severely inebriated and subsequently found herself bruised and bleeding. Swalwell vehemently refutes these claims.
Describing the alleged 2024 incident, which occurred after she no longer worked for Swalwell, the woman recounted to CNN, “I was pushing him off of me, saying no. He didn’t stop.”
This was reportedly the second instance of Swalwell engaging in nonconsensual sexual contact with her while she was intoxicated. She previously stated that in 2019, during her employment with him, she awoke naked beside him in a hotel after consuming a large amount of alcohol, with no recollection of the prior events but a physical awareness of sexual activity.
Additionally, CNN spoke with three other women who accused the Democratic congressman of diverse forms of sexual misconduct, such as sending unrequested explicit messages or nude photographs.
A different woman, who initially connected with Swalwell online due to their shared interest in Democratic politics, claims she became heavily intoxicated and found herself in his hotel room after an evening with him, recalling little of the events. She also reported that earlier that night at a bar, he kissed her and touched her leg without her permission.
Social media personality Ally Sammarco was another woman who recounted receiving unsolicited nude messages from Swalwell. She explained that her initial contact with the congressman was on Twitter, intended for political discussion. “I genuinely didn’t expect a reply – I only had around 1,000 followers then,” she stated. “But he actually did respond.”
Swalwell repudiated all accusations made by the women.
In a statement to CNN, Swalwell declared, “These claims are untrue and surface just before an election where I am a leading candidate for governor. Over almost two decades, I have dedicated myself to public service as both a prosecutor and a congressman, consistently advocating for women’s protection. I intend to defend myself with factual evidence and pursue legal action if required. My immediate priority is to be with my wife and children and safeguard our long-standing public service against these fabrications.”
On Thursday, an attorney representing Swalwell issued cease-and-desist letters to two of the women interviewed by CNN, one day after CNN’s initial contact with his campaign for comment. Copies of these letters, provided to CNN, labeled the women’s testimonies as “false,” demanded retractions, and cautioned against potential legal repercussions if they continued to speak publicly.
The letters asserted that the women’s allegations were “compromised” by their “willing and cooperative engagement with Mr. Swalwell for several years” after the supposed incidents, specifically noting the former staffer’s request for job recommendations.
Swalwell’s lawyer further sent a letter to CNN, refuting that Swalwell has ever engaged in nonconsensual sexual acts with any woman or had sexual relationships with any of his staff members.
A staffer for Swalwell reportedly resigned instantly upon receiving CNN’s comprehensive list of inquiries concerning the allegations.
CNN uncovered evidence supporting significant aspects of each woman’s account, including the former staffer who reported sexual assault. Two relatives and a friend confirmed to CNN in interviews that she informed them of the alleged 2024 assault shortly after it occurred. CNN also examined text messages she sent to two friends at the time, detailing her allegations. In one message, she wrote, “I was sexually assaulted on Thursday,” specifying, “By Eric.”
She also provided medical documentation indicating that she underwent STD and pregnancy tests subsequent to the alleged assault.
Regarding the woman who met Swalwell online through shared political interests, a family member and two friends verified that she informed them last year about the episode where she became inebriated in his hotel room. CNN also reviewed correspondence between her and Swalwell, including a photograph he sent her that corresponds with his appearance in a CNN interview conducted in her city on the evening they first met.
The women uniformly depicted a recurring sequence of events: Swalwell, a married father of three, would take keen interest in their lives during their twenties as they established their careers, making them feel uniquely important and even awestruck. Subsequently, they claimed, he would send progressively sexual communications. Many acknowledged engaging with him, partly influenced by his authoritative role. In certain instances, these improper interactions allegedly escalated to unwanted physical contact or sexual assault, frequently coinciding with periods of significant alcohol consumption.
The women requested anonymity due to concerns about potential retaliation from Swalwell or professional repercussions for publicly accusing him.
CNN examined screenshots of numerous messages between Swalwell and the women; many contained flirtatious content, but none reviewed by CNN were explicitly sexual. The women indicated that Swalwell typically sent more explicit messages through Snapchat, a platform where messages are ephemeral and senders are notified if screenshots are taken.
These allegations surface as Swalwell—a congressman representing the San Francisco Bay Area, a former presidential hopeful, and a frequent presence on cable news—has seen his poll numbers rise in California’s fiercely contested gubernatorial election.
In recent weeks, social media has been rife with rumors of Swalwell’s alleged misdeeds, disseminated by a cohort of progressive influencers. Most women who spoke with CNN first contacted one of these influencers, stating that prior to the social media attention, they believed their experiences with Swalwell were isolated incidents.
Three prominent influencers informed CNN that they had no financial ties to other campaigns nor had they directly collaborated with them in publicizing the accusations against Swalwell.
Cheyenne Hunt, a lawyer and former congressional candidate who has amplified allegations against Swalwell on social media, commented, “Our objective has consistently been to secure justice for these women and unveil the truth.”
Conversely, CNN also interviewed other women who previously worked for Swalwell; they reported never experiencing any inappropriate interactions and some characterized him as an encouraging and attentive employer.
Nevertheless, multiple women who accused Swalwell asserted that the congressman’s behavior had lasting effects on their lives, causing confusion, distress, and fear. They explained their decision to come forward stemmed from hearing rumors that others shared similar experiences with the congressman.
The former staffer who accused Swalwell of assault stated, “I always believed that speaking out would lead to repercussions because of his immense power,” and further added, “I’ve endured daily fear.”
The ex-Swalwell staffer recounted beginning her internship with him in 2019 at age 20, prior to her college graduation. During this period, Swalwell was gaining prominence within the Democratic Party. Having previously served as a prosecutor and having unseated a four-decade incumbent to secure his congressional seat in the San Francisco Bay Area suburbs, Swalwell gained recognition as a member of the House Intelligence Committee and a vocal critic of President Donald Trump.
In April 2019, Swalwell initiated an improbable presidential campaign, presenting himself as an advocate for generational change. Motivated by his stance on gun control, the woman relocated to California to work as a junior staffer on Swalwell’s campaign. She expressed, “I had immense faith in his vision.”
Following Swalwell’s withdrawal from the presidential race in July 2019, she transitioned to a position in his district office.
As the woman, then 21, started collaborating more closely with Swalwell—handling event planning, travel logistics, and driving him within his district—he initiated a personal connection with her. She noted that Swalwell, aged 38, commended her office performance, including inviting her to meetings and introducing her to various political personalities.
She described, “His attention made you feel as if you were basking in sunshine. You felt like the most impressive person there.”
According to her, they started exchanging messages on Snapchat. On this platform, she stated, Swalwell initiated sexual remarks and sent her photographs of his penis and himself shirtless. He also requested images of her, including nudes, which she provided. While she found the attention gratifying, she also experienced apprehension given his position as her employer.
The woman’s mother informed CNN that her daughter disclosed Swalwell’s Snapchat communications several months later, which both she and her husband deemed unsuitable. However, the mother clarified that her daughter did not reveal the sexual nature of these messages to them at that time.
She mentioned having no screenshots of their Snapchat conversations due to the platform’s auto-delete feature for messages.
The former staffer articulated, “There was Eric the Snapchat user, and then there was Eric my superior. They seemed like entirely distinct individuals.”
She reported that in 2019, while driving Swalwell for official staff duties within his district, he instructed her to pull over in a parking lot, exposed his penis, and solicited oral sex. She stated she briefly complied before stopping and expressing her discomfort to Swalwell.
She recalled Swalwell telling her, “He told me, ‘You’re right, it’s likely not ideal for a congressman to be discovered with his pants down,’” in her conversation with CNN.
In September 2019, after an informal staff gathering, she found herself alone with Swalwell at a bar in his district. She stated, “I was exceedingly intoxicated.”
Her memory included ordering an Uber, with her next recollection being waking up naked in bed with Swalwell in his hotel room the subsequent morning.
“I was aware of sexual contact because I could physically feel it upon waking,” she stated. According to her, Swalwell commented that “last night was great” but advised her to leave.
On that day, she was slated to join Swalwell for a “hike with your congressman” event at a nearby park, an event advertised on Swalwell’s official Facebook page. She recalled at the event, “I could still physically sense what had occurred,” yet Swalwell disregarded her, acting as if she were “a complete stranger.”
Subsequently on Snapchat, she claimed, Swalwell became considerably more amicable, praising their sexual encounter. She recounted telling him, “‘I truly don’t recall any of it,’” to which he responded, “‘Well, next time, we’ll ensure you do.’”
The ex-staffer explained that she initially kept both incidents with Swalwell to herself. “I simply felt so degraded and repugnant, and it became a secret I carried,” she confessed. She noted that at the time, she didn’t fully grasp that she had been sexually assaulted, but later understood the encounter was nonconsensual due to her extreme intoxication.
Swalwell reportedly reduced the frequency of his Snapchat communications with her. She then transitioned to a new role in Swalwell’s Washington, D.C. office, departing for another job approximately a year later. However, Swalwell maintained contact, she said, providing job recommendations and messaging her periodically. The former staffer indicated she sought to remain connected with Swalwell due to his congressional position.
In April 2024, at age 25, the former staffer attended a New York City gala where Swalwell was a featured speaker. CNN verified Swalwell’s presence through video of his speech and a photo of the woman at the event. She explained her decision to have drinks with Swalwell stemmed from his influential standing in her professional sphere.
They met for drinks at Swalwell’s hotel and a nearby bar, where she described Swalwell’s conduct as entirely professional. Federal campaign expenditure reports confirm that Swalwell’s congressional campaign routinely made transactions at both establishments she mentioned.
Following the gala, she recounted meeting with colleagues before sending Swalwell a Snapchat invitation for another drink. One of her colleagues, who requested anonymity, confirmed to CNN that the woman informed them of her intention to meet Swalwell for a drink at that time.
When Swalwell arrived by car to collect her, he placed his hand on her leg. She recalled saying, “‘No funny business, this isn’t that kind of situation,’” to which he responded, “‘OK, OK.’”
However, during their drinks, Swalwell reportedly told the former staffer that he was obsessed with her and had only ever cheated on his wife with her. She remembered thinking, “I suppose I enjoyed the attention, but I never desired to sleep with him.”
As the evening wore on, she stated, they moved to another bar and continued to drink. She claimed to be heavily inebriated and has no memory of departing from that bar.
The former staffer’s next recollection was being in bed with Swalwell in his hotel room while he was having sex with her. She described “fragmented memories of that night, of him on top of me, my attempts to push him away, and him grasping me.”
“I was trying to push him away, repeatedly saying no,” she stated. “He didn’t cease.”
The following morning, the former staffer awoke alone in Swalwell’s hotel room, feeling “utterly disoriented.” Since she was wearing a dress requiring assistance to fasten, she wrapped herself in a blanket, fled the hotel, and hailed the first available cab back to her own lodging. She immediately contacted her mother, who corroborated her story to CNN.
She stated, “My vagina was bleeding the day after the sexual encounter; I had cuts and bruises on my body.” Upon examining herself in the mirror later, she recalled, “I could discern bruising where his hand had been on my rib cage, legs, and near my thighs.”
She claimed Swalwell messaged her on Snapchat that day, expressing that the previous night was enjoyable, hoping she would recall it this time, and instructing her to keep it private.
Upon returning home that day, she informed her partner that Swalwell had assaulted her, a detail confirmed by her partner in a CNN interview, who noted she “was utterly distressed.” Over subsequent days, she also confided in two other friends about the assault by Swalwell, as evidenced by text message screenshots shared with CNN and an interview with one friend. In both message threads, she referenced a similar past incident, writing in one, “this happened one other time when I was working for him… same pattern: I blacked out and he had sex with me.” Her partner, mother, and friend requested anonymity.
Days later, she visited a health clinic for an STD test, providing CNN with screenshots of her appointment. She stated she informed her medical provider that a congressman had assaulted her, and a screenshot reveals the clinic provider referred to her as “a survivor” in an online message concerning her test results.
She explained that she never directly confronted Swalwell about the assault or reported it to the police, partly because she trusted his assertion that he had not made sexual advances toward other women.
She reflected, “I continually found ways to blame myself: I shouldn’t have contacted him, I should have left, I should have acted differently.” She then added, “However, Eric shouldn’t have raped me.”
In February, as his gubernatorial campaign gained momentum, both Swalwell and his campaign manager texted her, offering her a position on his campaign team, according to screenshots she provided to CNN. She declined the offer.
“I have always carried a significant secret,” she confessed. “I am not speaking out to destroy Eric Swalwell. The sole individual capable of ruining Eric Swalwell is Eric Swalwell himself.”
Separately, a woman with an interest in Democratic politics reported that she started messaging Swalwell online in 2025. This followed her response to one of his Instagram stories, playfully suggesting she might run for office. She stated that a few days later, Swalwell followed her back, encouraged her political involvement, and subsequently shared his phone number.
Over several weeks, the woman and Swalwell exchanged texts, often late at night, discussing politics and their past experiences as bartenders, as evidenced by message screenshots she shared with CNN. She expressed surprise that a congressman was giving her attention, saying, “I almost felt like I was being catfished.”
In spring 2025, Swalwell mentioned he would be in her city and proposed a meeting. His messages indicate he sought her recommendations for accommodations and local attractions.
Swalwell and the woman had dinner and drinks at a steakhouse. She informed her mother beforehand about meeting Swalwell, which her mother corroborated in a CNN interview. The woman recalled Swalwell inquiring about her professional background in a manner that felt akin to a job interview.
Mid-conversation, Swalwell informed her he had a CNN interview and returned to his hotel. While awaiting his live television segment, Swalwell texted her a photo, asking for her opinion on his appearance, as per a screenshot she furnished to CNN. This image correlated with Swalwell’s look during the interview, where he also mentioned to the CNN anchor that he was in the woman’s city, as recorded by CNN.
Subsequently, Swalwell brought the woman to a different bar, where they occupied a back booth. She recalled, “He was pressed against me, so I subtly shifted away, and each time I moved, he would inch closer.” He touched her leg and ordered her a beverage.
She claimed she attempted to steer the discussion toward her partner and Swalwell’s family, but he persisted in touching her. She became increasingly intoxicated, feeling “very disoriented,” and even mistakenly entered the men’s restroom at the bar, she stated.
Upon her return to the booth, Swalwell kissed her, she reported. “I was astonished he would do that in a public bar,” she commented. She stated she informed him it was inappropriate, but, unwilling to jeopardize her connection with an influential congressman, she remained at the bar despite becoming more inebriated.
The woman then recalled finding herself in Swalwell’s hotel room with no memory of how she arrived. She described her recollection of events in Swalwell’s room as “hazy.” A screenshot of an Uber receipt she supplied to CNN shows she departed the hotel at 5:41 a.m.
She stated that the following day, Swalwell sent her ephemeral iPhone voice messages, expressing his desire to prevent his wife from discovering what had occurred.
In the subsequent weeks, she described feeling emotionally exposed and deeply upset. Approximately a month after the incident, she confided in her mother about what transpired, and later shared her story with two close friends. All three corroborated to CNN in interviews that she had indeed recounted her experience. One friend recalled being told about her encounter with Swalwell in December 2025, while the other could not pinpoint the exact date.
She claimed she conveyed to Swalwell her feelings of “profound disgust and shame” regarding the incident, yet he persisted in contacting her. This included offers to leverage his position to assist with her passport renewal or to provide a letter of recommendation for her law school applications.
Days prior to announcing his gubernatorial candidacy in November, he texted her to check in, as shown by screenshots she supplied to CNN. The subsequent month, she sent him an extensive message stating, “all you did was harm me,” and requested he cease all contact.
Swalwell replied, “I won’t bother you again! Sorry.”
Despite this, the woman stated she maintained contact with Swalwell, exchanging some amicable messages, a behavior she compared to Stockholm syndrome.
Swalwell’s lawyer, in the cease-and-desist letter sent to the woman, contended that certain text messages, such as one where she remarked, “you would be an amazing governor,” cast skepticism on her narrative.
The woman informed CNN that she chose to publicize her experience after learning of rumors concerning other women accusing Swalwell of inappropriate behavior, thus realizing she was not the only one.
“I endured much in silence… I never intended to pursue him or speak out publicly,” she stated. However, she ultimately concluded that Swalwell “exploited my vulnerabilities and my admiration for him to gain something,” she added.
Unsolicited Explicit Content and Nude Images
In 2021, two additional women informed CNN that Swalwell had sent them unrequested photographs of his penis and other sexually suggestive messages on Snapchat after initially connecting on social media.
Sammarco stated her initial interaction with Swalwell occurred in August 2021, when she messaged him on Twitter to inquire about his upbringing in a Republican household.
Screenshots she gave to CNN reveal Swalwell sent her cordial messages on Twitter, inquiring about her life and political involvement, and shared his phone number. They commenced texting, and he proposed circulating her resume among other congressional offices to aid her in securing a Capitol Hill position.
Sammarco recounted that Swalwell eventually began texting her late at night with personal inquiries. She said he sent her a photo of himself at home, drinking wine. A screenshot she furnished to CNN depicts Swalwell contemplating whether to “pour a nightcap” and, upon her affirmation, telling her “now you’re the bad angel tempting me.” In another message she displayed to CNN, he inquired, “are you on snap?”
From September 2021, Sammarco stated that she and Swalwell communicated via Snapchat nearly daily. Swalwell “grew highly inappropriate, making comments about my attractiveness, and hinting at meeting up and hooking up,” she explained. “He would constantly drunk text me, saying, ‘Oh, I’m having a drink. What are you doing?’ And I’d respond, ‘I’m out with my friends.’ I was 24.”
She reported that the congressman sent Sammarco selfies of himself in bed or shirtless, along with unrequested photos of his penis.
Sammarco claimed Swalwell inquired about her residence, subsequently jogging past her apartment building multiple times, pausing to greet her and offer hugs, though never entering. She also stated Swalwell provided her with a private tour of the Capitol.
Their communication dwindled, Sammarco noted, after she met her now-husband in December 2021. Swalwell “made several attempts to message me on Snapchat again… and I simply didn’t reply,” she stated. Despite this, some contact was maintained in the years that followed, as indicated by messages reviewed by CNN.
Subsequently, in November 2025, the same month Swalwell declared his gubernatorial candidacy, he messaged Sammarco once more, commending her “social media dominance,” based on a screenshot she gave to CNN.
A different woman, employed in marketing, claimed Swalwell initiated contact on Twitter in April 2021, when she was in her late twenties, after she engaged with several of his posts. She remarked, “When someone of his caliber begins conversing with you—it makes you wonder, why the interest in me?”
They started messaging on Snapchat, and she stated that within approximately a month, their conversations turned flirtatious and sexual. Swalwell frequently asked for swimsuit or nude pictures of her, some of which she sent. She claimed he also sent her multiple unrequested videos of his penis.
Although they never met in person, they corresponded sporadically for four years, she explained, with Swalwell typically initiating contact. On occasion, Swalwell offered career assistance, an offer she stated she never accepted.
In a flirtatious exchange examined by CNN, Swalwell praised a swimsuit photo she posted on Instagram and noted the extended period since their last messages, according to screenshots she furnished to CNN. He wrote, “That swimsuit. Fuck.”
CNN interviewed two friends who confirmed the woman informed them about Swalwell sending her images of his penis and sexually explicit messages as these events transpired. One friend also mentioned reviewing a non-explicit Snapchat video Swalwell sent her.
The woman conveyed feelings of “embarrassment and a degree of shame” regarding her communications with Swalwell.
“Receiving unrequested explicit videos makes you feel diminished as a person,” she stated. “I only wish I had never responded to him.”
Contributions to this report were made by Curt Devine and Yahya Abou-Ghazala of CNN.
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CORRECTION: This report has been revised to clarify that the former staffer began interning for Rep. Eric Swalwell before her college graduation, contrary to the initial statement.