Wife of Eric Swalwell, Brittany WattsThere’s clearly a subtle reaction to the California gubernatorial candidate’s sexual misconduct scandal. This is because her husband was accused sexual assault and the rape of several women, including a former congressional staffer. The 45-year-old, who is losing support among members of his own party, has denied all accusations.
“As we continue to learn more, these allegations from multiple sources are deeply disturbing and must be taken seriously,” said Newsom, a possible 2028 presidential candidate.
Charges against Eric Swalwell
The San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday that a woman said Swalwell sexually assaulted her in 2019 and 2024. The newspaper reviewed text messages about the alleged 2024 assault and spoke with the person she told about it. She told the newspaper she did not go to the police because she was afraid others would not believe her story.
The woman worked for Swalwell in 2019, when the first alleged assault occurred, and the 2024 attack allegedly occurred after a charity gala, the newspaper reported. In both cases, she said, she was too drunk to consent to sex.
CNN further quoted sources as saying that the woman said she was drunk that night. She wakes up naked with him in a hotel room and has no memory of what happened. But Schell’s body felt like they had had a sexual encounter.
“I pushed him off me and said no. He didn’t stop,” the former staffer told CNN of the 2024 incident. Another woman told the publication that the Democratic congressman sent unsolicited explicit messages or nude photos.
Social media creator Ally Sammarco said she contacted Swalwell to discuss politics but ended up “getting drunk in his hotel room.” She told CNN he kissed her and touched her legs without her consent.
Swalwell denies all charges
Swalwell denied the woman’s claims and suggested they were part of the attack because of his campaign’s momentum.
“These accusations are false and occurred on the eve of a gubernatorial front-runner election,” Swalwell said in a statement. “For nearly 20 years, I have served the public as a prosecutor and a member of Congress and have always protected women. I will defend myself with the facts and take legal action if necessary. My focus in the coming days will be on being with my wife and children and defending our decades of service against these lies.”
Eric Swalwell’s wife reacts
While Brittany Watts has yet to make a public statement, the New York Post reports that she appears to have deleted her social media accounts. Watts is a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and has worked in the hospitality industry for more than 10 years. She is 41 years old and has three children with the congressman.
Brittany previously served as Director of Sales at the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon.
Swift backlash from prominent Democrats
Adam Schiff posted on social media Friday afternoon that he was “deeply saddened” by the allegations and called on Swalwell to end his gubernatorial campaign.
Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who helped Swalwell campaign, said he would end his role immediately.
“Members of Congress should withdraw from the race now so they can take full responsibility without question, distraction or delay,” Gomez said on social media.
Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego and California Rep. Adam Gray also said they were withdrawing their support. Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chairman Mark Ramos called on Swalwell to end his campaign.
Powerful unions including the Service Employees International Union of California and the California Teachers Association said they would suspend support. The California Federation of Trade Unions said it was taking “urgent action” on next steps.
A spokesman for House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the allegations require a “careful and thorough investigation.”
“These brave women must be heard and respected,” spokesperson Christy Stephenson said in a statement. “The investigation must follow the facts, apply the law, and start immediately.”
(With AP input)
