Former staffers accuse Congressman Eric Swalwell of sexual misconduct

Following days of fervent online speculation, the San Francisco Chronicle today published allegations of sexual misconduct against Congressman Eric Swalwell, a leading candidate for Governor.

The accusations come from a former member of Swalwell’s staff, who described predatory behavior, ranging from sexting to sexual assault, that began shortly after she started working for him. The Chronicle has not revealed the identity of the staffer.

More stories followed: CNN reported allegations from three additional women; NOTUS added more.

The reports come after nearly a week of social media chatter about the pending accusations, with leftist and right-wing influencers sharing increasingly lurid – at the time unsourced – allegations. Swalwell’s attorneys delivered a Cease and Desist letter yesterday to Cheyenne Hunt, a progressive activist who claimed to be working with multiple women who she says had been victimized by Swalwell.

Many of Swalwell’s most prominent supporters, including Senator Adam Schiff, and campaign co-chairs Jimmy Gomez and Adam Gray have withdrawn their endorsements and called on Swalwell to end his bid. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi also suggested that Swalwell put an end to his campaign.  Politico reports that some top campaign staff, including stategist Courtni Pugh, have resigned.

The allegations upend an already-unpredictable race for California Governor in which two Republicans, Fox News personality Steve Hilton and Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco have jousted for the top spot. Recent polls have pointed to Swalwell as the top Democrat in the race, followed closely by former congresswoman Katie Porter and billionaire Tom Steyer.

This is a developing story and has been updated.