California gubernatorial candidate Rep. Eric Swalwell’s campaign is pushing back hard against recent allegations circulating online, calling them false and politically motivated.
The claims were amplified by Cheyenne Hunt, a former Capitol Hill staffer who now runs a youth-focused political group, Gen-Z for Change. Over the past week, Hunt has posted on social media accusing Swalwell of inappropriate behavior toward women who worked for him, including interns.
In response, Swalwell’s campaign dismissed the accusations outright. Spokesperson Micah Beasley told the New York Post that the timing of the claims—less than a month before voting begins—points to a coordinated effort to damage the candidate.
“This false, outrageous rumor is being spread 27 days before an election begins by flailing opponents who have sadly teamed up with MAGA conspiracy theorists,” Beasley said, adding that critics are targeting Swalwell because he is currently leading in the race.
Hunt’s allegations include a message she says she received privately, claiming Swalwell had relationships with interns and required them to sign nondisclosure agreements. The message also alleged that he made advances toward her when she was 19.
Since posting her initial video, Hunt says more women have reached out to her with similar stories. She claims to be working with some of them as they consider coming forward publicly, though she has not shared names or specific details about those individuals or any organizations involved.
The situation has also drawn attention from other Democratic figures. Political strategist Bhavik Lathia posted on X that the allegations should be taken seriously, suggesting more information could emerge soon, though he did not provide evidence or specifics.
Swalwell’s campaign, meanwhile, is emphasizing what it says is a complete lack of formal complaints. Beasley stated that in the 13 years Swalwell has served in Congress, no staff member has ever been asked to sign a nondisclosure agreement and no ethics complaints have been filed against him.
Hunt has rejected the campaign’s response, particularly its suggestion that the accusations are tied to partisan attacks. She argued that dismissing the claims in that way undermines the women involved.
“Smearing survivors with claims that they ‘teamed up with MAGA’ is morally repugnant,” Hunt wrote, adding that the women she is in contact with are working with legal counsel and journalists to share their stories responsibly.
The controversy comes as California’s gubernatorial race begins to heat up. Mail-in voting for the primary starts May 4, with election day set for June 2.
