The journalist says that Swalwell’s behavior towards women became known in 2013
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East Bay political reporter and author Steve Tavares wrote on social media Saturday that allegations about Eric Swalwell’s behavior toward women were well known to local officials shortly after he entered Congress in 2013.
“Shortly after being elected to Congress in 2013, his behavior toward women was known by all levels of local government and the Alameda County Democratic Party,” Tavares wrote.
“I tried many times to get these stories out. I can’t force women to talk, and if they choose not to talk, I didn’t push them. I also knew Swalwell was known to threaten lawsuits.”
Swalwell is facing calls to resign and drop out of the California governor’s race, amid allegations of sexual harassment by former employees.
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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)
Tavares reiterated his long-running affair with Swalwell.
“I have covered Eric Swalwell since he was a member of the Dublin City Council,” Tavares wrote. “Don’t get it wrong. No one has criticized Swalwell over the years.”
In a separate April 6 edition of his “East Bay Insiders” newsletter, Tavares described what he described as challenges facing Swalwell closer to home, particularly within Alameda County’s Democratic Alliance circles.
He wrote that Swalwell’s political standing in his area remains limited.
“For a candidate who would vie to be the most powerful state governor, Eric Swalwell’s base of support at home is very thin,” Tavares wrote.
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Tavares pointed to both ideological and personal factors in explaining that shift.
“The reasons are psychological and personal,” he wrote. “Despite his opposition to President Trump, many within the Democratic Alliance in Alameda County do not view Swalwell as a credible progressive.”
Over time, his positions—support for law enforcement, past rhetoric about border security, and unwavering support for Israel—have made him out of step with the prevailing East Bay politics,” he wrote.
Tavares also pointed to Swalwell’s early political campaigns as a source of tension.
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Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., who is running for governor in California, has faced criticism for accepting donations from individuals and organizations affiliated with the CCP. (Getty Images)
“At the beginning of his career in Congress, Swalwell revealed two respected local people-Pete Stark and later Ellen Corbett-stimulating that, although he was successful in politics, he left resentment among Democratic activists for a long time,” he wrote.
He added that those sections have not been completely completed over time. In addition, Tavares said there is a perception that Swalwell has been under his jurisdiction since he bought a home in Washington, DC.
He also highlighted recent political endorsements as indicative of broader challenges in the California governor’s office.
“The latest endorsement underscores the challenge,” Tavares wrote, pointing to Rep. Mia Bonta. Ro Khanna supporting Tom Steyer for governor.
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“Taken together, Swalwell’s path to higher office may depend less on strengthening his home base and more on building coalitions elsewhere—an unusual, and potentially dangerous, strategy for a California gubernatorial hopeful,” he wrote.
Fox News Digital reached out to Swalwell’s office and the campaign, the Democratic National Committee and the California Democratic Party, but did not immediately respond.
