Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell publicly addressed circulating online allegations claiming inappropriate behavior involving female staff members, as California’s gubernatorial primary election approaches.
The claims, which spread across social media platforms in recent days, prompted a formal response from Swalwell’s campaign. The East Bay lawmaker, who is among the leading candidates in the Democratic field, rejected the accusations and described them as baseless.
Swalwell’s spokesperson, Micah Beasley, issued a statement disputing both the substance and timing of the allegations. “This false, outrageous rumor is being spread 27 days before an election begins by flailing opponents who have sadly teamed up with MAGA conspiracy theorists because they know Eric Swalwell is the frontrunner in this race,” Beasley said.
The accusations were initially publicized by Cheyenne Hunt, a Democratic activist and former congressional candidate, through a series of TikTok videos. In those posts, Hunt claimed she was working with individuals who intended to share accounts of alleged misconduct.
“I am personally working with a group of women who want to come forward and share their stories. I am also aware of a much larger group that is also in this process that I am not personally working with,” Hunt stated in a video released earlier this month.
Hunt also alleged that staff members associated with Swalwell had been required to sign non-disclosure agreements, which she claimed prevented them from speaking publicly. The campaign firmly denied that assertion.
“In 13 years, no one in Eric Swalwell’s Congressional office has ever been asked to sign an NDA. Ever,” Beasley said. “In 13 years, not a single ethics complaint by any staff in his office or any other office has ever been lodged. Ever.”
The spokesperson referenced Swalwell’s prior work as a prosecutor and his public record on related issues. “As a prosecutor, Eric Swalwell spent his career fighting for women,” Beasley said.
He continued, “As a Representative, he has demanded accountability for convicted abusers like Donald Trump and has pushed for the full release of House Ethics Committee records related to any allegation of misconduct against any Member of Congress. And as Governor, Eric Swalwell will continue to fight for the rights of all women.”
Following media coverage of Swalwell’s response, Hunt posted a rebuttal on the social media platform X. “Smearing survivors with claims that they ‘teamed up with MAGA’ is morally repugnant,” she said.
Hunt added, “These women are brave and deserve to be heard. We are working with legal counsel and the investigative team of a highly reputable outlet to ensure that those stories are told the right way.”
Another online figure, Arielle Fodor, who also discussed the allegations publicly, dismissed the campaign’s response. “My comment on the record: If they think I have teamed up with MAGA, they are cracked in the head,” Fodor said in an email to The Post.
The controversy unfolds as Swalwell maintains a leading position in several recent polls within the Democratic primary. His campaign has also received endorsements from major labor and professional organizations, including SEIU California, the California Teachers Association, and California Professional Firefighters.
Separately, Swalwell has been involved in another matter related to national security reporting. He recently threatened legal action against FBI Director Kash Patel, who is reportedly preparing to release files concerning Christine Fang, an individual identified in prior reporting as a Chinese intelligence operative.
Fang, also referred to as Fang Fang, had prior contact with political figures, including involvement in campaign-related activities tied to Swalwell. The congressman has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with that situation.
Political strategist Elizabeth Ashford commented on how campaigns typically respond to unverified allegations. “A campaign can’t let rumors get legs. The days of waiting this kind of thing out are over, that strategy died awhile ago,” Ashford said.
She added, “Obviously everything changes if there’s a substantiated allegation. But that hasn’t happened here.”
The Democratic primary field remains crowded, with several high-profile candidates competing for voter support. Among them are former Representative Katie Porter and businessman Tom Steyer, both of whom have polled in double digits. Additional candidates include former Attorney General Xavier Becerra, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former State Controller Betty Yee, Superintendent Tony Thurmond, and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.
On the Republican side, former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco have each built measurable support. Their standing in the race has contributed to concerns among Democratic strategists about the possibility of Republican candidates advancing beyond the primary.
Larry Gerston, professor emeritus of political science at San José State University, indicated that intensified political conflict is expected as the election nears. “As the campaign gets closer to the end, there’s going to be a lot of charges going back and forth from all sides because there is no leader in the race,” Gerston said.
He also cautioned against drawing conclusions without verified information. “I would be very careful to not give credence to something unless it is verifiable, and if it is — all horns should be blaring,” he said.
No formal complaints or verified findings related to the allegations have been publicly disclosed as of this reporting. The situation continues to develop as the primary election approaches.
