Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is calling on California gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell to step aside as multiple sexual assault allegations threaten to derail his campaign.
The controversy has quickly escalated into a full-blown political crisis, with top Democrats distancing themselves and demanding an investigation.
The allegations stem from claims made by four women, including a former staffer who accused Swalwell of assaulting her while she was too intoxicated to consent.
According to reports, the woman said the incidents occurred in 2019 and 2024 while she worked for him.
The accusations have shaken Swalwell’s bid to replace California Governor Gavin Newsom and triggered a wave of backlash within his own party.
Pelosi weighed in, saying the claims are serious and should be handled outside the context of an active campaign.
“This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability,” she said.
She added that stepping away from the race would allow the process to move forward without political interference.
Other Democratic leaders echoed that message.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), along with senior party figures, called for a formal investigation into the allegations.
In a joint statement, party leadership described the accusations as “unacceptable” and said the women involved should be “respected and heard.”
The fallout has been immediate.
Several members of Swalwell’s campaign team have resigned, and multiple high-profile endorsements have been withdrawn.
California Sen. Adam Schiff (D) publicly pulled his support, saying he was “deeply distressed” by the allegations.
Other political figures have followed suit, urging Swalwell to step down from both the race and public office.
The accusations go beyond a single claim.
One woman alleged that Swalwell sent explicit images to her after connecting online, while another said she woke up in a hotel room with limited memory after being with him.
Swalwell has denied all allegations, as the Daily Mail reported.
“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election,” he said, suggesting the timing is politically motivated.
He added that he plans to defend himself and pursue legal action if necessary.
Despite his denial, pressure continues to mount.
Labor unions and political groups that previously supported his campaign are now reconsidering their positions.
Some Democratic figures have argued that the controversy makes it impossible for Swalwell to continue as a viable candidate.
Others have called for ethics and law enforcement investigations to proceed immediately.
The situation is unfolding just months before the gubernatorial primary, raising questions about the future of the race.
Swalwell had positioned himself as a leading contender, but the allegations have rapidly shifted the landscape.
With party leadership now urging him to step aside, the coming days could determine whether his campaign survives or collapses entirely.
