California Governor Candidate Eric Swalwell Accused of Sexual Assault

·22 min·2 clips

A former staffer alleges Congressman Eric Swalwell sexually assaulted her twice while she was too intoxicated to consent.

The episode begins with hosts Scott Schaefer and Marisa Lagos introducing breaking news: the San Francisco Chronicle has published allegations that Congressman Eric Swalwell, a candidate for California governor, sexually assaulted a former staffer twice when she was too intoxicated to consent. The accuser detailed incidents in Pleasanton in 2019 and New York in 2024, providing evidence like doctor's visits and text messages. Swalwell's attorney sent a cease and desist letter, denying the allegations. This story emerged after days of rumors about potential misconduct. The hosts discuss immediate political fallout, including calls for Swalwell to drop out from figures like Betty Yee and Tony Thurman. Major endorsers like the California Teachers Association suspend support, and Swalwell's campaign chair, Representative Jimmy Gomez, resigns. The California Democratic Party chair, Rusty Hicks, issues a statement emphasizing accountability but stops short of demanding Swalwell's withdrawal. The episode then shifts to the California Republican Party's statewide convention in San Diego. Hosts and guest Ryan Marzarotti analyze Republican challenges, including potential losses of congressional seats due to newly gerrymandered districts under Proposition 50. They discuss the governor's race, where President Trump endorsed Steve Hilton over Chad Bianco, highlighting internal party divisions. The conversation covers how Trump's endorsement might affect Hilton's chances in the general election. The hosts also examine a key Republican primary between Young Kim and Ken Calvert for a congressional seat, noting it reflects broader party tensions between moderate and traditional factions. Throughout, the episode emphasizes the evolving nature of the Swalwell story and its potential to disrupt the governor's race, with ballots going out in about a month.

As heard by us

A measured look at how a sexual assault allegation reshapes California's unsettled governor's race.

A governor's race can turn quickly, and this Political Breakdown episode follows the shift around a sexual assault allegation against Congressman Eric Swalwell.

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Why you'd press play

You want to hear how one allegation can jolt a California governor's race that was already unsettled.

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