California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell is facing emerging claims of sexual harassment and abuse of power from multiple women, including former staffers and interns, just as he positions himself as a leading candidate to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2026.
Lawyer and activist Cheyenne Hunt, executive director of the liberal group Gen-Z for Change, stated publicly on April 6, 2026, that she is “personally working” with a “shocking” number of credible women who plan to come forward. Hunt described a pattern of “manipulation and abuse of power,” including inappropriate direct messages, Snapchat communications, and allegations that Swalwell slept with multiple interns and required them to sign nondisclosure agreements to remain silent.
The claims, which remain unverified and have not yet resulted in formal complaints or lawsuits, surfaced via social media posts and interviews in late March and early April. Hunt cited messages from women describing predatory behavior toward young staffers and interns, with Swalwell allegedly positioning himself as a mentor to exploit professional relationships. Swalwell has not publicly responded to these specific allegations as of April 7, 2026.
Eric Swalwell may be in trouble soon for sexual harassment, according to reporting from lawyer and activist @CheyenneHuntCA
“The Democratic candidate currently leading in the California Governor’s race has a known history of being predatory towards women.” pic.twitter.com/c5QXWWKOvJ
— Anthony Brian Logan (ABL)
(@ANTHONYBLOGAN) April 6, 2026
The controversy adds to a string of past scandals that have dogged the congressman for years. In 2020, Axios reported that Swalwell had developed close ties in the early 2010s with Christine Fang, also known as “Fang Fang,” a suspected Chinese intelligence operative. Fang reportedly helped fundraise for Swalwell’s 2014 reelection campaign, facilitated the placement of at least one intern in his congressional office, and interacted with him at multiple events while he was still a local city council member in Dublin, California.
Swalwell has maintained that he was unaware of Fang’s suspected ties to Chinese intelligence at the time, immediately cut off contact after receiving a defensive briefing from the FBI in 2015, and cooperated with investigators. No wrongdoing was ever alleged against him, and a House Ethics Committee review concluded in 2023 without taking action. However, in March 2026, reports emerged that FBI Director Kash Patel is considering releasing decade-old investigative files related to the matter, prompting Swalwell to send a cease-and-desist letter accusing the effort of political harassment.
Separately, Swalwell’s campaign finance practices have drawn scrutiny. Federal Election Commission filings show his campaign reimbursed him more than $200,000 for childcare expenses, with some reports indicating payments routed to his wife. Campaign finance experts have questioned whether the expenditures comply with rules limiting the use of donor funds for personal expenses, describing the practice as a potential “slippery slope” even though limited childcare reimbursements are permitted under certain FEC guidelines when tied to campaign activities.
Swalwell, a former impeachment manager and member of the House Intelligence Committee, has built a national profile as a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump. He has not been charged with any crimes in connection with the Fang Fang matter, the childcare payments, or the new harassment claims. As the women referenced by Hunt prepare to go public, the allegations are likely to intensify the political spotlight on the congressman during what is shaping up to be a competitive California gubernatorial primary.
SOURCES:
How a suspected Chinese spy gained access to California politics
Rep. Eric Swalwell sends cease and desist letter to FBI director over old investigative files
Swalwell drops lawsuit against Trump housing official over mortgage fraud allegations – POLITICO
Campaign finance expert blasts Swalwell over $200K in childcare reimbursements | Fox News
House Ethics Committee ends probe into Swalwell’s interaction with Fang-Fang
The post Harassment Allegations Surface Against Rep. Eric Swalwell as He Eyes California Governor’s Race appeared first on Anthony Brian Logan.