The Manhattan district attorney's office has launched an investigation into Representative Eric Swalwell following allegations that the California politician sexually assaulted a woman in New York City last year.
Swalwell, who is currently seeking the Democratic nomination for California governor, faces the inquiry after a woman came forward with claims of misconduct during 2024. The specific circumstances of the allegation and the identity of the accuser remain unclear, though the DA's office confirmed it is actively examining the matter.
The investigation marks a significant development for the three-term congressman, who has built a national profile through his work on the House Intelligence Committee and his frequent appearances on cable news. His entry into the California governor's race had already positioned him as a prominent candidate within the state's Democratic establishment.
Details about the alleged incident and the scope of the DA's inquiry have not been disclosed. It remains unknown whether the woman filed a formal criminal complaint or whether the office initiated the examination based on other information.
Swalwell has not made a public statement regarding the investigation. His campaign could not be immediately reached for comment.
The inquiry adds another layer of complexity to a crowded gubernatorial field as California Democrats prepare for the 2026 election cycle. The timing of the allegation's emergence and the investigation's launch come as Swalwell works to establish himself as a viable candidate for one of the nation's highest-profile statewide offices.
The Manhattan DA's office has not announced formal charges or next steps in the investigation.
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