Pelosi, Dems Withdraw Support From Swalwell Following Sex Allegations

A growing political firestorm is engulfing Rep. Eric Swalwell, as several high-profile California Democrats—including Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff—have pulled their support following disturbing allegations of sexual misconduct.

The backlash comes after multiple reports published Friday detailed accusations from a former staffer and other women, painting a troubling picture of alleged behavior that is now shaking the California political landscape.

Swalwell has firmly denied the claims, while his legal team has issued cease-and-desist letters to some accusers, calling the allegations false, according to Fox News.

Former Staffer Alleges Pattern of Misconduct

One former staffer, who has gone public with her account, alleges that Swalwell exploited her while she was intoxicated during multiple encounters—both while she was employed in his office and after her departure.

She claims the congressman pressured her into sending explicit photos and sent sexually explicit images of his own. In one alleged incident, she said Swalwell exposed himself in a car and requested sexual acts.

The accuser described a pattern of heavy drinking tied to these encounters, stating that she blacked out on multiple occasions and later awoke in hotel rooms with indications that sexual activity had taken place.

According to her account, Swalwell’s demeanor shifted after at least one of the alleged incidents, becoming distant before their relationship eventually faded. She said they later reconnected after she left his office, when another alleged encounter occurred.

Democrat Leaders Distance Themselves

The political consequences were swift.

Pelosi issued a statement signaling a clear break from Swalwell’s political ambitions:

“The young woman who has made serious allegations against Congressman Swalwell must be respected and heard,” Pelosi said. “As I discussed with Swalwell, it is clear that is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”

Schiff followed suit after reviewing the reports:

“I have read the San Francisco Chronicle’s account, and I am deeply distressed by its allegations,” he said.

“This woman was brave to come forward, and we should take her story seriously,” Schiff added. “I am withdrawing my endorsement immediately and believe that he should withdraw from the race,” he said.

Other Democrats echoed similar concerns, including Matt Mahan, who called on Swalwell to step aside.

“If we don’t, we have no credibility asking anyone else to do the same,” Mahan said.

Meanwhile, California Democratic Party Chairman Rusty Hicks described the allegations as “deeply disturbing” and emphasized that such claims must be taken seriously.

Support Crumbles Across Party and Labor Groups

The fallout extended beyond elected officials. The California Teachers Association announced it was suspending support for Swalwell pending further review.

Even Democrats who had previously defended him are now reversing course. Sen. Ruben Gallego publicly withdrew his backing after reviewing the reports.

“I’ve read the San Francisco Chronicle’s reporting, and I take it seriously,” Gallego said.

“What is described is indefensible,” he added. “Women who come forward with accounts like this deserve to be heard with respect, not questioned or dismissed,” he said.

Mounting Allegations, Intensifying Scrutiny

Additional reporting suggests that multiple women have accused Swalwell of misconduct, including sending unsolicited explicit messages and images. Some allegations initially surfaced on social media before being picked up by major outlets.

Swalwell continues to deny all accusations, characterizing them as false and politically motivated. Neither he nor his legal team has issued further comment following the latest wave of reporting.

With pressure mounting and support collapsing, the controversy now threatens to derail Swalwell’s political future—raising broader questions about accountability within Democrat ranks as the California governor’s race intensifies.