WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Allegations involving U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell have sparked political tension in California’s gubernatorial race. The claims, which remain unverified, have circulated widely online and drawn attention to the role of social media influencers and political rivals. At the center of the controversy is activist Cheyenne Hunt, who has promoted the allegations and said she is working with women who may come forward. Hunt has ties to the University of California, Irvine School of Law, where gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter serves as a professor.
Swalwell has strongly denied claims of inappropriate behavior involving female staffers. His campaign says political opponents and online activists are spreading false rumors ahead of the election.
“This false, outrageous rumor is being spread just weeks before voting begins,” a campaign spokesperson said. The campaign added that no ethics complaints have ever been filed against Swalwell during his time in office. Hunt has not publicly identified any alleged victims or shared detailed evidence. However, she stated on social media that multiple women may speak out in the future. Major media outlets have not independently confirmed the allegations.
Hunt graduated from the University of California, Irvine School of Law, where Porter has taught for years. Hunt enrolled in 2018, the same year Porter won her first congressional race. During Hunt’s time at the law school, Porter remained affiliated with the institution. She took leave to serve in Congress but continued to live in campus housing and stayed connected to academic programs.
In 2021, Porter delivered the law school’s commencement address at Hunt’s graduation. Hunt later shared a photo with Porter on social media, calling her a trailblazer. The connection has fueled speculation about political ties. Despite this overlap, Porter’s campaign denies any meaningful relationship between the two.
“They don’t have a relationship to speak of,” a campaign spokesperson said. The campaign also noted that Porter endorsed a different candidate when Hunt ran for Congress in Orange County.
Hunt also gained experience in Washington through a UC Irvine program. In 2020, she interned for Sen. Amy Klobuchar. She has said she contributed to work during former President Donald Trump’s first impeachment.
Porter supported impeachment efforts at the time. While both women operated in similar political spaces, there is no evidence that they worked directly together. UC Irvine has highlighted Porter’s continued involvement with students during her time in Congress. The school noted that she hosted law students in her congressional office when government shutdowns disrupted externship programs.
Porter raised the issue publicly during a recent appearance on CNN. She described the allegations as “very troubling” but clarified that she has not spoken directly with any accusers.
“I have not spoken to any women who are saying they’re going to come forward,” Porter said. She emphasized the importance of supporting potential victims and ensuring they feel safe. CNN reported that it could not independently confirm any claims. The network also clarified that Porter referenced “sexual assault,” though such allegations have not been specifically detailed.
The controversy comes at a critical moment in California’s gubernatorial race. Swalwell’s campaign argues that rivals are using unverified claims to gain an advantage. Political analysts say the situation highlights the growing influence of social media in modern campaigns. Online platforms can amplify allegations quickly, even without confirmed evidence.
Hunt now serves as executive director of Gen-Z for Change, a progressive advocacy group. Her role has increased her visibility among younger voters and activists. Still, questions remain about the credibility and timing of the allegations. Without verified accounts or formal complaints, the issue continues to fuel debate rather than resolution.
