U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell’s campaign for California governor was reeling Friday as multiple senior aides abruptly resigned following new allegations that the Democratic lawmaker sexually assaulted a former staffer — claims Swalwell has forcefully denied.
According to Politico, at least four people have departed Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign in recent days, including Courtni Pugh, a strategic adviser who served as the campaign’s top liaison to organized labor groups. Pugh confirmed her resignation to the outlet but declined to comment further. Two other people familiar with internal campaign discussions spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the departures.
The shake‑up follows a report by the San Francisco Chronicle that a former staffer accused Swalwell of having sexual encounters with her while she worked for him and of sexually assaulting her twice when she was too intoxicated to consent. The woman was not publicly identified.
Top aides left the campaign shortly before the story was published. Soon afterward, Rep. Jimmy Gomez said in a statement that he was stepping down from the campaign and urged Swalwell to exit the race, a striking break from a key surrogate who had helped introduce Swalwell to influential political figures in Sacramento, where Gomez previously served in the state Assembly.
“Today I learned shocking information about Eric Swalwell containing the ugliest and most serious accusations imaginable,” Gomez said in a statement. “My involvement in any campaign begins and ends with trust. I cannot in good conscience remain in any role with this campaign, and I am stepping down from it effective immediately.”
In a statement released Friday, Swalwell denied the allegations and said they were politically motivated.
“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,” the statement said. “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.”
Newsweek has reached out to the Swalwell campaign via email on Friday afternoon for comment.
Swalwell is seeking to advance out of California’s nonpartisan primary, where all candidates compete and only the top two finishers move on to the general election.
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