General Discussion

WhiskeyGrinder

(27,077 posts) Sun Apr 12, 2026, 06:10 PM Apr 12

Swalwell faces pressure to resign as more than 50 former staffers denounce alleged misconduct in new signed letter

https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/12/politics/eric-swalwell-former-staffers-letter

A letter signed by more than 50 former staffers of Rep. Eric Swalwell described recent allegations of sexual assault and misconduct against him as “serious” and “credible,” while demanding he resign from Congress and drop his bid for California governor.

“The allegations reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN are serious, credible, and demand accountability,” the letter said. “We stand unequivocally with our colleague, who showed extraordinary courage in coming forward to share her truth. We believe her.”

It comes two days after both CNN and the Chronicle reported that a former staffer accused the California Democrat of sexual assault, describing a night of drinking that ended with Swalwell having sex with her when she could not consent. In addition, three other women who spoke with CNN alleged other sexual misconduct by Swalwell, including sending unsolicited nude photos and graphic messages.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said Saturday it is investigating an allegation of sexual assault against Swalwell. It encouraged survivors and those with knowledge of allegations to contact its Special Victims Division.

This is a different letter than the one from current staffers:

Current Swalwell staffers separately released an unsigned letter on Saturday calling the allegations against Swalwell “abhorrent,” while asking for understanding toward staffers who did not immediately resign from their jobs.

8 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Swalwell faces pressure to resign as more than 50 former staffers denounce alleged misconduct in new signed letter (Original Post) WhiskeyGrinder Apr 12 OP

I was a Swalwell supporter up until Friday night Starry Messenger Apr 12 #1

I suggest you hold that thought.... FarPoint Apr 12 #8

When this many former staffers sign on this quickly, it makes one wonder what sort of RockRaven Apr 12 #2

Not just the staffers. The way his endorsements evaporated the other day, too. WhiskeyGrinder Apr 12 #3

How quickly can his seat be filled newdeal2 Apr 12 #4

In CA, after a resignation, the governor has a two week window to call for a special election RockRaven Apr 12 #6

Thanks, that does not sound great newdeal2 Apr 12 #7

I think he needs to resign and drop out also chelsea0011 Apr 12 #5

Starry Messenger

(32,382 posts)

1. I was a Swalwell supporter up until Friday night

Reply to WhiskeyGrinder (Original post)

Sun Apr 12, 2026, 06:33 PM

Apr 12

He's toast. Drop out of the race, and resign Eric.

Becerra is gonna be a great Governor. Vetted by Biden, very experienced!

FarPoint

(14,875 posts)

8. I suggest you hold that thought....

Reply to Starry Messenger (Reply #1)

Sun Apr 12, 2026, 07:18 PM

Apr 12

I smell a Roger Stone pile of shit behind all of this..... let's vet the information and validate true facts....Knee jerk outrage is what the GOP MAGAS want us to do....predictable....Heck, we have a rapist felon running an illegal war...at least we can give Swalwell an open/ honest and objective chance to address these claims.... He has spoken out strongly for we the people...he has earned my regards to be fair.

RockRaven

(19,555 posts)

2. When this many former staffers sign on this quickly, it makes one wonder what sort of

Reply to WhiskeyGrinder (Original post)

Sun Apr 12, 2026, 06:33 PM

Apr 12

everyone-knows-but-nobody-talks-about/open-secret working conditions they were laboring under.

WhiskeyGrinder

(27,077 posts)

3. Not just the staffers. The way his endorsements evaporated the other day, too.

Reply to RockRaven (Reply #2)

Sun Apr 12, 2026, 06:35 PM

Apr 12

newdeal2

(5,503 posts)

4. How quickly can his seat be filled

Reply to WhiskeyGrinder (Original post)

Sun Apr 12, 2026, 06:46 PM

Apr 12

Will Johnson actually seat the new member or pull more stunts?

These are equally important questions that need serious consideration before doing anything.

RockRaven

(19,555 posts)

6. In CA, after a resignation, the governor has a two week window to call for a special election

Reply to newdeal2 (Reply #4)

Sun Apr 12, 2026, 07:00 PM

Apr 12

and the window for the possible special election date is 18-20 weeks out, on a Tuesday. So very limited discretion. It is basically a five month vacancy, give or take, no matter what.

But if the resignation happens too close to the next regular election then the regular election date gets used.

(caveat: that's my best recollection off the top of my head; I didn't look it up and may have gotten something wrong)

newdeal2

(5,503 posts)

7. Thanks, that does not sound great

Reply to RockRaven (Reply #6)

Sun Apr 12, 2026, 07:13 PM

Apr 12

Vacancy for most of the year in that case. Unless an R is removed at the same time, I don't like it.

chelsea0011

(10,230 posts)

5. I think he needs to resign and drop out also

Reply to WhiskeyGrinder (Original post)

Sun Apr 12, 2026, 06:48 PM

Apr 12

But listening to Republicans talk about the seriousness of allegations and he has to step aside makes me want to 🤮

Reply to this discussion