On Capitol Hill, a Sexual Harassment ‘Minefield' Persists Original Story by The New York Times
Jillian McLaughlin worked for Eric Swalwell as his driver and assistant for a year. She was uncomfortable with some aspects of the job, including the fact that he invited her to spend a weekend with him in Miami and asked her to join in when he was out drinking with colleagues. She never had a physical relationship with him, but the experience soured her on Washington and she left for good.
Jillian McLaughlin felt trapped in her role as a driver and assistant for former Representative Eric Swalwell, expressing her frustrations in a journal entry from
She initially got the job after a weekend assignment driving Swalwell to the Super Bowl, which led to a full-time position in Washington, D.C.
While working closely with Swalwell, McLaughlin found herself uncomfortable with certain aspects of the job, including invitations to social events and late-night texts from him.
Despite never having a physical relationship with Swalwell, the experience left her disillusioned with the culture on Capitol Hill, prompting her to leave her position.
McLaughlin described the environment as toxic for young women, highlighting a lack of support and accountability among members of Congress.
She noted that Swalwell's behavior, while extreme, was not uncommon in the political sphere, where boundary issues often arise due to power dynamics and alcohol.
Ultimately, her experience reflects broader concerns about the treatment of women in politics and the need for systemic change in the workplace.
STATEMENT FROM FORMER STAFFERS OF CONGRESSMAN ERIC SWALWELL
Re: Support for Our Colleague and Calls for Accountability
We, the undersigned former staffers of Congressman Eric Swalwell, write today with heavy hearts and unwavering resolve. The allegations reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN are serious, credible, and demand accountability. We stand unequivocally with our colleague, who showed extraordinary courage in coming forward to share her truth. We believe her.
What has been described is not a political attack. It is the account of a young woman who trusted her employer, who was targeted and exploited by someone in a position of power over her, and who has carried this burden for years. The corroboration reported by both outlets, including medical records and multiple witnesses, makes clear that this cannot be dismissed or deflected. No statement, no cease-and-desist letter, and no claim of political motivation changes what our colleague experienced.
We call on all relevant law enforcement authorities to open a full and thorough investigation into the allegations against Congressman Swalwell without delay. No one is above the law. Not a congressman. Not a candidate for governor. No one.
We further call on Congressman Swalwell to immediately withdraw from the California gubernatorial race and to resign his seat in the United States Congress. The people of California's 14th Congressional District, and the people of this country, deserve representation from someone whose conduct reflects the values of public service. Remaining in either role while these allegations hang unresolved is an insult to every person who has ever worked for him, reported to him, or placed their trust in him.
To our colleague: you are not alone. We see you. We stand with you. We are deeply sorry that we did not know what you were enduring, and we carry the weight of that with us. Your bravery in speaking out has given voice to what many victims have feared to say, and we are grateful for your courage. We are appalled by his actions and stand firmly with you and every victim who has come forward.
Justice is not optional. Accountability is not negotiable. We will not be silent.
Former Staffers of Congressman Eric Swalwell: Lina Tragni Former Intern and Former District Scheduler, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2016, 2018-2019) Former Deputy Director of Scheduling and Advance, Swalwell for America (2019)
Chris Keosian Former Special Assistant and Legislative Correspondent, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2018-2019) Former National Advance Lead, Swalwell for America (2019)
Olivia Elkins Former Legislative Assistant, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2018-2021)
Celia Olivas Former Press/Digital Assistant, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2018-2019) Former Deputy Press Secretary, Swalwell for America (2019)
Tim Sbranti Former Deputy Chief of Staff and District Director, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell
Lisa Tucker Campaign Consultant, Swalwell for Congress (2011-2025) Campaign Consultant, Swalwell for America (2019)
Josh Richman Former Communications Director, Senior Advisor, and Deputy Chief of Staff, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2016-2022) Former Communications Director, Swalwell for America (2019)
Joel Miller Former Senior Advisor, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell Former Director of Operations, Swalwell for Governor
Alex Evans Former Chief of Staff, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2018-2019) Former Traveling Chief of Staff, Swalwell for America (2019)
Cheri Greven Former District Director, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2013-2016) Former Political Director, Swalwell for Congress (2014-2016)
R. Kyle Alagood National Policy Director, Swalwell for America (2019) Senior Counsel & National Security Advisor, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2019-2021) California Bar Roll No. 313931
Cait McNamee Former Deputy Communications Director, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell
Isabel Urbano Former Finance Director, Swalwell for Congress (2013-2014) Former District Representative, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2014-2015)
Jessica Gail Former Director of Communications, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2021-2024)
Marty Nelson Former Finance Director, Swalwell for Congress (2020-2025)
TJ Daly Former Campaign Manager, Swalwell for Congress (2012)
Natalie Edelstein Jarvis Former Press Secretary and Communications Director, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2019-2021)
Aaron Fielding Former Finance Director, Swalwell for Congress (2016-2019) Former Director of Scheduling & Advance, Swalwell for America (2019)
Allison Bormel Former Communications Director, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2013-2016)
Dean Wallace Former Field Director, Swalwell for Congress (2012) Former Legislative Correspondent, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2013) Former Deputy Campaign Manager, Swalwell for Congress (2014)
Sarah Shapiro Former Legislative Director, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2021-2023)
Jillian McLaughlin Director of Special Projects, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell and Swalwell for Congress (2023-2024)
Ryan DeJoy Former California Finance Director, Swalwell for Congress Former Finance and Compliance Assistant, Swalwell for America
Christopher Higgenbotham Former Comptroller, Swalwell for America
Kunal Basu-Dutta Former Digital Director, Swalwell for Congress (2018) Former Digital Director, Swalwell for America (2019)
Mackenzie Murphy Former New Hampshire State Director, Swalwell for America (2019)
Jordon Hensley Former Iowa Regional Field Director, Swalwell for America
Jakob Miles Former Regional Field Director, Swalwell for America, Iowa (2019)
Cody Hankerson Former Regional Field Director, Swalwell for America
Patrick Urbanus Former Staff Assistant and Constituent Services Representative, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell Former Finance Assistant, Swalwell for Congress
Julia Saunders Former Staff Assistant, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell Former Finance Assistant, Swalwell for Congress
Edward Ramos Mora Senior District Representative and Community Liaison, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell
Zac Commins Former Legislative Assistant, Legislative Correspondent, Staff Assistant, and Intern, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2015-2017) Former Intern, Swalwell for Congress (2014-2015)
Josh Huber Former Senior District Representative, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell Former Campaign Aide, Swalwell for Congress
Olivia Hartman Former Scheduler, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell
Adeola Adesina Former Health Policy Advisor, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell
Amanda Martin Former Constituent Services Representative, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell
Scott Miller Former Constituent Services Representative, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell
Lizzy Fox Former Legislative Assistant, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell
Jon McKinley Former Legislative Assistant, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2019-2020)
Annie McDonald Former District Scheduler/Constituent Services Rep, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell
Madison Watkins Former Constituent Services Representative, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell Field Organizer, Swalwell for Congress
Rowan Campos-Varela Former Intern, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2017-2019) Former Campaign Correspondent, Swalwell for America (2019)
Morgan Carter Former Legislative Aide, Legislative Correspondent, Staff Assistant, and Legislative Intern, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2021-2023)
Mariana Perera Former Staff Assistant and Scheduler, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2021-2022) Former Volunteer and Intern, Swalwell for Congress and Swalwell for America (2016-2019)
Jennifer D'Addabbo Former Intern, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2017, 2018) Former Campaign Fellow, Swalwell for America (2019) Former Constituent Services Representative, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2021-2022)
Karly Noblitt Former Scheduler and Legislative Aide, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell, DC Office (2012-2014)
Shannon Killebrew Former Outreach Manager, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2021-2024)
Sammy Jo Rudy Former Finance Assistant, Swalwell for Congress
Alec Goldstein Former Finance Staffer, Remedy PAC
Belinda Magallon Former Intern, District Scheduler, and Constituent Services Representative, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2018-2021)
Adriana Morton Former Intern, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell
Isabella Nieminen Former Volunteer, Swalwell for America
Jennifer Loza Former Legislative Intern, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2018) Former Volunteer, Swalwell for America (2019)
Desiree Grimaldo Former Campaign Intern, Remedy PAC (2021-2022) Former Intern, the Office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (2022
Look at how this scumbag spent his Federal PAC money:
He paid this from his official Federal Candidate Account: $1,723,784.79 in 25-26 $4,471,680.34 in 23-24 $3,817,690.34 in 21-22 $4,113,000.86 in 19-20 $2,462,007.82 in 17-18 $1,370,215.24 in 15-16 $1,669,313.51 in 13-14 $799,576.22 in 11-12
What did his contributors receive for their millions in contributions to his campaigns? All he ever did was to serve as an anti-republican agitator.
Then all of this from his "Remedy PAC", a "Leadership PAC"
1. Child care 2. DisneyLand prolly for for his kids 3. Lots of travel expenses 4. Multiple big fat personal eat/drink-fests 5. Even paid himself a "salary"
ACTBLUE TECHNICAL SERVICES MA MERCHANT FEES 02/11/2026 $0.44 SWALWELL, ERIC CA CHILDCARE 01/28/2026 $488.63 KENNEDY, CAITLIN CA TRAVEL EXPENSES 01/28/2026 $218.00 SWALWELL, ERIC CA CHILDCARE 01/27/2026 $488.63 MEYER, DARLY CA PERSONAL TRAVEL EXPENSES 01/23/2026 $2,408.00 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 01/20/2026 $423.49 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 01/20/2026 $423.49 DISNEYLAND CA FUNDRAISING EVENT EXPENSE 01/20/2026 $42.98 DISNEYLAND CA FUNDRAISING EVENT EXPENSE 01/20/2026 $43.10 DISNEYLAND CA FUNDRAISING EVENT EXPENSE 01/20/2026 $37.42 DISNEYLAND CA FUNDRAISING EVENT EXPENSE 01/20/2026 $45.18 DISNEYLAND CA FUNDRAISING EVENT EXPENSE 01/20/2026 $94.25 DISNEYLAND CA FUNDRAISING EVENT EXPENSE 01/20/2026 $28.75 DISNEYLAND CA FUNDRAISING EVENT EXPENSE 01/20/2026 $200.69 DISNEYLAND CA FUNDRAISING EVENT EXPENSE 01/20/2026 $1,075.34 DISNEYLAND CA FUNDRAISING EVENT EXPENSE 01/20/2026 $54.76 DISNEYLAND CA FUNDRAISING EVENT EXPENSE 01/20/2026 $15.25 DISNEYLAND CA FUNDRAISING EVENT EXPENSE 01/20/2026 $5.16 DISNEYLAND CA FUNDRAISING EVENT EXPENSE 01/16/2026 $1,248.00 DISNEYLAND CA FUNDRAISING EVENT EXPENSE 01/14/2026 $1,053.00 DISNEYLAND CA FUNDRAISING EVENT EXPENSE 01/14/2026 $1,053.00 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 01/12/2026 $635.47 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 01/12/2026 $635.47 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 01/12/2026 $641.24 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 01/12/2026 $641.24 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 01/12/2026 $635.47 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 01/12/2026 $641.24 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 01/12/2026 $641.24 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 01/12/2026 $635.47 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 01/12/2026 $641.24 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 01/12/2026 $635.47 WILLIAM DERROUGH NY REFUND OF CONTRIBUTION 12/18/2025 -$5,000.00 ACTBLUE TECHNICAL SERVICES MA MERCHANT FEES 12/18/2025 $0.20 DELTA AIRLINES GA TRAVEL 12/01/2025 $695.00 MINETTA TAVERN DC NY FOOD & BEVERAGES 11/10/2025 $40.90 MINETTA TAVERN DC NY FOOD & BEVERAGES 11/10/2025 $138.80 MINETTA TAVERN DC NY FOOD & BEVERAGES 11/10/2025 $147.20 SEN SCHIFF LEGAL DEFENSE FUND DC CONTRIBUTIONS MADE 10/24/2025 $1,000.00 LOL!!! MOXY HOTEL MN TRAVEL EXPENSES 08/21/2025 $386.78 MISTRY, ZENITA CA INTERN STIPEND 08/21/2025 $575.00 Hmmmm! UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 06/17/2025 $24.71 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 06/17/2025 $269.66 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 06/17/2025 $633.48 DELTA AIRLINES GA TRAVEL EXPENSES 06/17/2025 $484.48 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 05/06/2025 $19.43 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 05/05/2025 $1,679.49 WALT DISNEY PARKS & RESORTS CA FOOD & BEVERAGES FOR POLITICAL EVENT 04/28/2025 $1,777.18 WALT DISNEY PARKS & RESORTS CA FOOD & BEVERAGE FOR POLITICAL EVENT 04/28/2025 $220.21 WALT DISNEY PARKS & RESORTS CA FOOD & BEVERAGES FOR POLITICAL EVENT 04/28/2025 $1,203.20 WALT DISNEY PARKS & RESORTS CA FOOD & BEVERAGE FOR POLITICAL EVENT 04/28/2025 $36.22 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 04/28/2025 $1,046.28 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 04/28/2025 $1,046.28 MEXICO PAVILION AT EPCOT FL FOOD & BEVERAGES 04/28/2025 $207.50 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 04/11/2025 $10.00 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 04/11/2025 $10.00 AMERICAN AIRLINES TX TRAVEL EXPENSES 04/08/2025 $293.48 AMERICAN AIRLINES TX TRAVEL EXPENSES 04/08/2025 $293.48 AMERICAN AIRLINES TX TRAVEL EXPENSES 04/08/2025 $293.48 AMERICAN AIRLINES TX TRAVEL EXPENSES 04/08/2025 $293.48 AMERICAN AIRLINES TX TRAVEL EXPENSES 04/08/2025 $293.48 AMERICAN AIRLINES TX TRAVEL EXPENSES 04/08/2025 $293.48 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 04/02/2025 $282.44 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 04/02/2025 $282.44 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 04/02/2025 $282.44 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 04/02/2025 $282.44 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 04/02/2025 $282.44 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 04/02/2025 $282.44 WYNDHAM HOTELS NJ TRAVEL EXPENSES 03/24/2025 $77.58 WYNDHAM HOTELS NJ TRAVEL EXPENSES 03/24/2025 $282.77 MARRIOTT/BONVOY HOTELS MD TRAVEL EXPENSES 03/24/2025 $1,963.58 MARRIOTT/BONVOY HOTELS MD TRAVEL EXPENSES 03/24/2025 $1,693.56 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 03/21/2025 $379.48 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 03/21/2025 $379.48 COLUMBIA RESTAURANT FL FOOD & BEVERAGES 03/21/2025 $265.44 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 03/20/2025 $379.48 SOUTHWEST AIRLINES TX TRAVEL EXPENSES 03/20/2025 $500.48 ACTBLUE TECHNICAL SERVICES MA MERCHANT FEES 03/20/2025 $49.38 GREENBERGTRAURIG LLP CA LEGAL & ACCOUNTING SERVICES 03/18/2025 $920.00 ACTBLUE TECHNICAL SERVICES MA MERCHANT FEES 03/18/2025 $197.70 MARRIOTT/BONVOY HOTELS MD TRAVEL EXPENSES 03/12/2025 $582.00 MARRIOTT/BONVOY HOTELS MD TRAVEL EXPENSES 03/12/2025 $582.00 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 03/10/2025 $1,523.48 THE NED NOMAD NY FOOD & BEVERAGES 03/10/2025 $73.92 CRAVE KITCHEN & BAR ID FOOD & BEVERAGES 03/10/2025 $368.46 AMERICAN AIRLINES TX TRAVEL EXPENSES 03/07/2025 $33.28 AMERICAN AIRLINES TX TRAVEL EXPENSES 03/07/2025 $36.30 AMERICAN AIRLINES TX TRAVEL EXPENSES 03/07/2025 $357.48 AMERICAN AIRLINES TX TRAVEL EXPENSES 03/07/2025 $357.48 AMERICAN AIRLINES TX TRAVEL EXPENSES 03/05/2025 $562.49 AMERICAN AIRLINES TX TRAVEL EXPENSES 03/05/2025 $562.49 AMERICAN AIRLINES TX TRAVEL EXPENSES 03/05/2025 $562.49 ACTBLUE TECHNICAL SERVICES MA MERCHANT FEES 03/02/2025 $4.94 ACTBLUE TECHNICAL SERVICES MA MERCHANT FEES 02/28/2025 $39.90 WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT FL TICKETS FOR POLITICAL FUNDRAISER 02/27/2025 $561.38 WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT FL TICKETS FOR POLITICAL FUNDRAISER 02/26/2025 $561.38 WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT FL TICKETS FOR POLITICAL FUNDRAISER 02/26/2025 $561.38 ACTBLUE TECHNICAL SERVICES MA MERCHANT FEES 02/26/2025 $39.50 ACTBLUE TECHNICAL SERVICES MA MERCHANT FEES 02/25/2025 $0.20 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 02/18/2025 $10.00 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 02/18/2025 $10.00 DELTA AIRLINES GA TRAVEL EXPENSES 02/18/2025 $22.84 CARBONE MIAMI FL FOOD & BEVERAGES 02/18/2025 $487.62 ACTBLUE TECHNICAL SERVICES MA MERCHANT FEES 02/18/2025 $0.20 ACTBLUE TECHNICAL SERVICES MA MERCHANT FEES 02/17/2025 $0.20 ACTBLUE TECHNICAL SERVICES MA MERCHANT FEES 02/16/2025 $197.50 NGP VAN, INC DC DATABASE SOFTWARE 02/07/2025 $100.00 STARR RESTAURANT GROUP PA FOOD & BEVERAGES 02/05/2025 $337.57 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 02/04/2025 $416.06 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 02/04/2025 $416.06 UNITED AIRLINES IL TRAVEL EXPENSES 02/04/2025 $416.06 MINETTA TAVERN DC DC FOOD & BEVERAGES 02/03/2025 $28.80 MINETTA TAVERN DC DC NOT REPORTED 01/31/2025 -$184.80 MARRIOTT/BONVOY HOTELS MD PAYMENT REPORTED IN ERROR - SERVICES NOT PROVIDED 01/31/2025 -$1.00 MARRIOTT/BONVOY HOTELS MD PAYMENT REPORTED IN ERROR - SERVICES NOT PROVIDED 01/31/2025 -$480.00 ACTBLUE TECHNICAL SERVICES MA MERCHANT FEES 01/31/2025 $197.50 ACTBLUE TECHNICAL SERVICES MA MERCHANT FEES 01/30/2025 $0.40 MINETTA TAVERN DC DC FOOD & BEVERAGES 01/27/2025 $274.80 ACTBLUE TECHNICAL SERVICES MA MERCHANT FEES 01/26/2025 $0.20 GREENBERGTRAURIG LLP CA LEGAL & ACCOUNTING SERVICES 01/24/2025 $943.45 ACTBLUE TECHNICAL SERVICES MA MERCHANT FEES 01/17/2025 $0.40 THE TUCKER GROUP CA GRAPHIC DESIGN 01/15/2025 $300.00 MINETTA TAVERN DC DC FOOD & BEVERAGES 01/13/2025 $199.50 MINETTA TAVERN DC DC FOOD & BEVERAGES 01/13/2025 $412.65 SWALWELL FOR CONGRESS CA FOOD & BEVERAGES 01/08/2025 $514.02 DUBLIN TECHNOLOGY CENTER CA VENUE RENTAL FOR EVENT 01/08/2025 $104.51 BCOM SOLUTIONS, LLC NE COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTING 01/07/2025 $500.00 SWALWELL FOR CONGRESS CA SALARY 01/06/2025 $1,415.01 NGP VAN, INC DC DATABASE SOFTWARE 01/03/2025 $100.00