In an extraordinary public statement released Saturday, April 11, senior staff members working for Congressman Eric Swalwell issued a forceful condemnation of sexual misconduct allegations against their employer while simultaneously explaining why they cannot immediately resign from their positions.
The joint statement, signed by leaders from both Swalwell's 14th congressional district office and the "Eric Swalwell for Governor 2026" campaign, represents a rare instance of political staff publicly criticizing the elected official they serve while remaining in their roles.
"As leaders of teams working for Eric Swalwell, we're horrified by the recent reporting in the San Francisco Chronicle and by CNN," the statement read. "We stand with our former colleague, and the other women who have come forward. We believe you should stand with them, too."
The staff members did not mince words in their assessment of the allegations, which have emerged as Swalwell pursues the California governorship. "The behavior detailed in these reports is abhorrent, beneath the dignity of those serving in public office and betrays the trust of all Californians," they stated.
The statement addresses a question that has emerged in similar political scandals: why staff members choose to remain employed by officials facing serious allegations. The senior staffers provided a detailed explanation rooted in their responsibilities to both junior employees and constituents.
"We also understand that we lead teams who need guidance and stability now, more than ever. We are focused on supporting our colleagues during this challenging time," the statement explained. "Any decision of staff members to remain in their roles in the interim should not be viewed as support for Eric Swalwell. We recognize that not everyone — in particular our junior staff — can immediately forfeit their income and benefits without significant personal risk or consequence. Our responsibility now is to them."
This acknowledgment highlights the practical realities facing political staff, particularly those in junior positions who may lack the financial resources to weather sudden unemployment. The senior staff members positioned themselves as remaining in place to protect these more vulnerable employees while ensuring constituent services continue.
"We, more than he, understand that we have obligations to the people we lead and to the constituents of California's 14th Congressional District," the statement concluded. "Those of us that remain on staff do so for the sole purpose of ensuring that as many of those obligations are fulfilled as possible."
The allegations against Swalwell involve four women who have accused the Democratic representative of sexual misconduct and harassment. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office launched an investigation into the accusations on Saturday. Swalwell has strenuously denied all allegations.
In a statement released Saturday, April 11, Swalwell maintained his innocence and suggested the timing of the allegations was politically motivated. "These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything I have," Swalwell said. "They also come on the eve of an election, where I have been the frontrunner candidate for governor of California."
Swalwell, who has been married to Brittany Watts since 2016 and shares three children with her, acknowledged past mistakes while denying the specific allegations. "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. And to her, I apologize deeply for putting her in this position," he stated.
The political fallout has been swift and significant. Prominent Democratic leaders have called for Swalwell to withdraw from the gubernatorial race. Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi issued a statement Saturday calling for a thorough investigation outside the campaign context.
"This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability," Pelosi said. "As I discussed with Congressman Swalwell, it is clear that this is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign."
Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have also called on Swalwell to drop out of the gubernatorial primaries, which are scheduled for June 2.
The staff statement represents an unusual development in political crisis management, as employees typically either resign in protest or remain silent. By publicly condemning the allegations while explaining their continued employment, Swalwell's senior staff have attempted to navigate the ethical complexities of serving constituents while working for an official facing serious accusations.
Representatives for Swalwell's office have not responded to requests for comment regarding the staff statement.