SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Congressman Ro Khanna (D-Santa Clara) says he’s disgusted with the growing allegations against Eric Swalwell. He says his former colleague needs to be held accountable as Swalwell’s seat is now open and the race for governor continues without him.
“I had heard rumors of Swalwell’s womanizing, but I didn’t have any idea he was engaging in his own staff — let alone sexual assault,” said Rep. Khanna.
In less than a week, former Congressman Eric Swalwell’s political career collapsed. Multiple bombshell reports have detailed sexual abuse and misconduct, and now a fifth woman has come forward.
“The allegations are very serious,” said Rep. Khanna. “I mean, it’s a violation of House rules to have any sexual relationship with a subordinate, but these are beyond sexual relationships. These are allegations of rape and assault. I’m just disgusted by it.”
While Swalwell has denied all allegations, Khanna emphasizes the importance of taking accusers seriously. Khanna points to his bipartisan effort with Representative Thomas Massie to push for the release of unredacted Epstein files, where he says he’s heard directly from victims.
“Obviously Congressman Swalwell, like any American, is entitled to due process, and he should have that due process in the criminal justice system, but I believe these survivors who have come out with such courage,” said Khanna. “It’s hard to relive the trauma.”
The fallout is also reshaping California’s governor’s race, where Swalwell had been considered a front-runner. Now the field is wide open for the nine remaining candidates. Khanna says he’s already endorsed Tom Steyer.
“He’s more for Healthcare California, taxing billionaires to pay for it. Tom Steyer also supports making PG&E a public utility and breaking it up, so he’s been my candidate.”
Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom has called for a special election to fill Swalwell’s seat through the end of his term in January.
A primary for that race is set for June 16, just two weeks after the statewide primary. The special election will be held on August 18, with a general election in November to decide who fills the seat full-time.
When asked by KRON4 how important it is for an East Bay district like Swalwell’s to have that seat filled, Khanna said, “It’s very important, it’s a very important seat. We have such a close majority in the House. We need democrats there. We need democrats to oppose the war in Iran that I have led on with [Thomas] Massie to stop this war.”
With a growing list of candidates eyeing the congressional race, some are already signaling they’ll skip the special election and wait for the full term — leaving open questions of who will step in now and who’s playing the long game.