Pelosi says she had no knowledge of allegations of sexual misconduct by Swalwell

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi denied knowing about sexual misconduct and rape allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., after four women came forward.

Swalwell announced on Monday his plans to resign amid threats of a boycott vote.

When asked by reporter Frank Sesno if she was aware of the allegations before CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle broke the news over the weekend, Pelosi replied: “I wasn’t.”

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Pelosi, a former friend of Swalwell’s who sought her promotion, distanced herself from her fellow Bay Area Democrat at an event at George Washington University in Washington, DC.

He acknowledged that Swalwell’s resignation announcement on Monday was a “wise decision” and “the right thing to do” after a wave of sexual harassment allegations threatened to force him out of Congress.

Four women have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including a former staffer who alleged the congressman raped her while he was too drunk to consent.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., planned to file an impeachment motion against Swalwell on Tuesday before her resignation was announced. The measure would need a two-thirds majority to pass and some Democrats have already pledged their support.

Swalwell suspended his campaign for the executive on Sunday after major trade unions and congressional backers withdrew their support, citing allegations against him.

Pelosi, who remains a powerful force among California Democrats, was evasive when asked if she was advising Swalwell to resign from Congress.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., has called for the ouster of Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., following allegations of misconduct and sexual harassment by a former staffer. (Photos by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images; Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

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“Oh, I think that was his decision,” he replied. “That’s the right thing to do … not to let members vote for something like that, and not to put your family down.”

“If you have a challenge to solve, it’s better not to be seen as a candidate for governor and not as a member of Congress,” Pelosi said.

He has asked to drop out of the race following a wave of sexual harassment allegations, and has yet to promote his campaign to become California’s next governor.

Pelosi is not the only representative of the Democratic Alliance who has indicated that she knows nothing about the allegations against Swalwell.

Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., on Monday accused his top congressional ally and longtime friend of leading a double life.

“I want to be clear: I had no knowledge of the alleged assault, harassment, and misconduct by Eric Swalwell,” Gallego said in a statement.

Then Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., is pictured with Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., and their wives on a 2021 trip to Qatar, sponsored by the US-Qatar Business Council. (FOX NEWS/Tucker Carlson Tonight)

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Gallego’s statement comes after Swalwell dropped out of the 2026 California presidential race amid allegations of sexual harassment.

In 2025, Pelosi announced her plans not to run for re-election after serving decades in the House.

A spokesperson for Swalwell did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.