A prominent contender to succeed Gavin Newsom as California’s governor has issued a public apology to his wife as pressure mounts for him to leave the race following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, including rape.
Rep. Eric Swalwell shared an apology video addressed to his wife on social media after what became the most turbulent day of the Democratic primary so far on Friday, following major allegations published by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN.
Several former staffers, along with a political influencer, spoke to the outlets about their experiences with the California congressman. They accused him of unwanted sexual advances, sending unsolicited private images, and sexual assault.
As calls for him to end his candidacy grew — including from Democrats ranging from the chair of his own campaign to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi — Swalwell denied the accusations, calling them ‘absolutely false’ and insisting that ‘They did not happen. They have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have.’
He did not clearly state whether he intends to remain in the race, but he directly spoke about his wife, Brittany Watts, with whom he shares three children.
“I do not suggest to you in any way that I am perfect or that I’m a saint, I have certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past, but those mistakes are between me and my wife.”
He went on to apologize to his wife for “putting her in this position,” and also addressed voters who may now be questioning whether to support him ahead of the June 2 primary.
“This weekend I’m going to spend time with my family and friends and I appreciate those who have reached out to me to show support. And I look forward to updating you very soon.”
However, the criticism has continued, particularly after CNN reported allegations from four women. One account describes a woman who said she woke up after a night of heavy drinking bruised and bleeding, alleging Swalwell raped her.
The former staffer told the outlet ‘I was pushing him off of me, saying no’ during the incident, which she said occurred in 2024 after she no longer worked for him.
“He didn’t stop,” she said.
The same unnamed source also alleged a previous assault from five years earlier, when she was still employed by the congressman. She said she awoke naked in a hotel room with him after another night of heavy drinking.
She said she could not remember what happened but believed, based on physical signs, that sexual contact had taken place. Others who came forward described alleged non-consensual touching and receiving unsolicited nude images.
In both his video and a statement issued in response to CNN, Swalwell maintained that the accusations are invented and coordinated, arguing they are intended to damage him as a leading candidate in the primary.
“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the front-runner for governor,” Swalwell said in the statement. “For nearly 20 years, I have served the public – as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women. 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.”