Calls grow for Swalwell to drop out of gubernatorial race after sexual assault allegations

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(The Center Square) - Calls grew Friday afternoon for U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-San Francisco, to quit the gubernatorial race following allegations of sex abuse.

A former member of Swalwell's staff told the San Francisco Chronicle that the congressman sexually assaulted her. CNN reported on that member and three more women who accused Swalwell of making sexual advances and sending explicit photos.

Swalwell, who is among the top three most popular Democrats running for governor according to a recent University of California, Berkeley poll, called the allegations false in a statement.

“For nearly 20 years, I have served the public — as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women," Swalwell said. "I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action. My focus in the coming days is to be with my wife and children and defend our decades of service against these lies."

According to media reports, multiple members of Swalwell's staff resigned after Friday's news of the allegations.

Tom Steyer, the billionaire who is among the leading Democratic gubernatorial candidates, commended the former staffer for coming forward in a statement on X. “Speaking out is never easy, and her account must be taken seriously."

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, one of the two leading Republicans running for governor, called on Swalwell to resign not only from the race but Congress.