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Over 50 former staffers of Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) have called for his resignation following a series of sexual assault and misconduct allegations.<\/p>\n
The signed open letter described<\/a> the allegations against Swalwell as both \u201cserious\u201d and \u201ccredible.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe allegations reported<\/a> by the\u00a0San Francisco Chronicle<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0CNN<\/a>\u00a0are serious, credible, and demand accountability,\u201d the letter said. \u201cWe stand unequivocally with our colleague, who showed extraordinary courage in coming forward to share her truth. We believe her.\u201d<\/p>\n Both CNN and the Chronicle<\/em> reported that a former staffer accused the California gubernatorial candidate of sexual assault, saying the two had sexual relations after a night of drinking, believing that she did not have the mental capacity to consent. Three other women also told CNN that Swalwell would send unprompted nude photos and graphic messages.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat has been described is not a political attack. It is the account of a young woman who trusted her\u00a0<\/span>employer, who was targeted and exploited by someone in a position of power over her, and who has carried\u00a0<\/span>this burden for years,\u201d the letter further said. \u201cThe corroboration reported by both outlets, including medical records and multiple\u00a0<\/span>witnesses, makes clear that this cannot be dismissed or deflected. No statement, no cease-and-desist letter,\u00a0<\/span>and no claim of political motivation changes what our colleague experienced.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n After calling for a full investigation into the matter, the former staffers ultimately concluded that Swalwell should not only drop from the California governor race but also resign from Congress.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cTo our colleague: you are not alone. We see you. We stand with you. We are deeply sorry that we did not\u00a0<\/span>know what you were enduring, and we carry the weight of that with us. Your bravery in speaking out has given<\/span>\u00a0voice to what many victims have feared to say, and we are grateful for your courage. We are appalled\u00a0<\/span>by his actions and stand firmly with you and every victim who has come forward,\u201d it concluded.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Manhattan District Attorney\u2019s Office also said on Saturday that it is investigating a sexual assault allegation against Swalwell.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The congressman has denied all allegations against him.<\/p>\n