Journalist Steven Tavares admits knowing about Eric Swalwell’s inappropriate behavior toward women for 13 years but stayed silent, igniting fury over media complicity in shielding a Democratic politician.
Story Highlights
- Steven Tavares, a longtime Swalwell reporter, claims knowledge of misconduct since Swalwell’s city council days but took no action for over a decade.
- Swalwell faces grave allegations including 2019 staffer assault, 2024 rape probe by Manhattan DA, and more, derailing his California gubernatorial bid.
- Social media users blast Tavares for hypocrisy after he defended his silence and seemed to take credit once victims spoke out.
- Even ally Rep. Ruben Gallego retracted support, calling allegations “indefensible” amid Democratic Party distancing.
Journalist’s Shocking Admission
Steven Tavares, a political reporter covering Eric Swalwell since his Dublin City Council tenure, revealed on social media that he knew about Swalwell’s inappropriate conduct toward women shortly after Swalwell’s 2013 congressional election. Tavares stated this behavior was an open secret among local officials, the Alameda County Democratic Party, and regional journalists. Despite this widespread awareness, no public reporting or coordinated action occurred for 13 years. Victims only came forward recently, prompting Tavares’ belated comments.
Bragging that you said nothing while multiple women were allegedly assaulted does not make you the good guy, bro.
WEAK! Lefty Journo LASHES Out As X Slams Him for Bragging That He KNEW Swalwell Was a Deviant All ALONGhttps://t.co/pvZdZwq7qD pic.twitter.com/UOyTYhYUPO
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) April 12, 2026
Escalating Allegations Against Swalwell
April 2026 brought multiple sexual misconduct claims against U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA). Accusations include assaulting a staffer in 2019, raping a woman at a 2024 New York City charity event under Manhattan DA investigation, sending inappropriate pictures to women, and an unconfirmed video with a sex worker. Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign collapsed as fundraising evaporated and top Democrats withdrew support. Rival Steve Hilton claimed Swalwell was dropping out, though Swalwell denied it on April 12.
Political and Media Backlash
Rep. Ruben Gallego, a Swalwell associate, initially defended him online but quickly retracted, saying, “I regret having come to his defense on social media prior” and deeming the allegations indefensible. Social media erupted against Tavares, accusing him of journalistic failure for knowing details for years without disclosure. Critics highlighted his defense—inability to compel women to speak and fear of Swalwell’s lawsuits—as weak excuses that protected a powerful Democrat over public accountability.
WEAK! Lefty Journo LASHES Out As X Slams Him for Bragging That He KNEW Swalwell Was a Deviant All ALONG https://t.co/G31XfkMScC
— Dallys1515 💋 (@Dallys1515) April 12, 2026
Institutional Failures Exposed
This scandal underscores deep institutional lapses in addressing political misconduct. Mainstream media ignored known issues while Swalwell rose in ranks, echoing frustrations across political lines about elite protection rackets. Conservatives see it as proof Democrats and press shielded their own; even shared public distrust grows as social media forces transparency traditional outlets avoided. Swalwell’s fall disrupts California’s gubernatorial race, leaving victims’ claims central amid ongoing probes. Limited victim details and Swalwell’s full response remain unclear from available reports.
Sources:
Gallego under fire: When did he know about Swalwell?
Is Eric Swalwell Dropping Out?
