A former staffer has accused Rep. Eric Swalwell of sexually assaulting her on two separate occasions, including one instance when she was intoxicated, according to her account. Swalwell, the California Democrat currently running for governor, has denied the allegations.
The woman, who previously worked for the congressman, made the accusations public as Swalwell pursues his gubernatorial campaign. She alleged that the assaults occurred while she was unable to consent due to her intoxicated state during at least one of the incidents.
Swalwell's campaign responded to the allegations by flatly rejecting them. A spokesman for the congressman stated that the accusations are false and without merit.
The revelation comes as Swalwell has been building momentum in the California governor's race. The congressman has represented his district in the East Bay since 2013 and has become a prominent figure in Democratic politics, serving on the House Intelligence Committee and appearing frequently on cable news programs.
The former aide's account marks the latest allegation of sexual misconduct to surface against a high-profile political figure. Such accusations have become more common in recent years as more women have come forward to describe their experiences, emboldened by increased media attention and changing social norms around addressing workplace misconduct.
The timing of the allegations, released during an active campaign, raises questions about their political implications. However, the woman's decision to speak out adds another layer of scrutiny to Swalwell's candidacy as he seeks to differentiate himself among a crowded field of Democratic contenders for California's top job.
The congressman has not indicated whether he will address the allegations beyond his initial denial, nor has he provided any additional statement regarding the accusations.
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