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The husband of one of the women who have accused Rep. Eric Swalwell of sexual assault and harassment has responded to the congressman’s video denying the allegations.
“My wife’s name is Ally Sammarco. Obviously you know that, but she’s not named anonymous,” Adam Parkhomenko, a Democratic strategist and former DNC National Field Director, wrote via X on Friday, April 10, in response to Swalwell’s denial.
“And she also went on the record with CNN so that hopefully this does not happen to other women and maybe it would help other women come forward,” Parkhomenko continued. “She also provided CNN all of the messages that you sent her. I’ve been very supportive of you over the years but even I learned a lot today. And she has my full support.”
On Saturday, April 11, Parkhomenko issued another statement via X in support of his wife.
“I would just like to reiterate that if Eric Swalwell and his attorney believe any statements that my wife and I have made are not true, he should sue us immediately,” he wrote. “He can DM me, and I’ll let him know where to serve us. But this will never happen.”
Us Weekly reached out to Swalwell’s communications director for comment on Parkhomenko’s statements.
Sammarco accused Swalwell, 45, of offering to “share her resume” with congressional offices before allegedly sending “very inappropriate” messages via Snapchat “insinuating we should get together and hook up” in a CNN investigation published on Friday. She is one of four women who have accused the congressman of sexual assault and harassment, including a former staffer who claims the congressman raped her. The other women have asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation.
Swalwell, currently the frontrunner in the race for California’s governor, has vehemently denied all the allegations against him, issuing a video claiming he will “fight” the claims. Us reached out to the congressman for comment.
“A lot has been said about me today through anonymous allegations. I thought it was important that you see and hear from me directly,” Swalwell said in a video shared via social media on Friday. “These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything I have.
He continued, “They also come on the eve of an election, where I have been the frontrunner candidate for governor of California. I do not suggest to you in any way that I am perfect or that I’m a saint — I have certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past, but those mistakes are between me and my wife. And to her, I apologize deeply for putting her in this potion.” (Swalwell shares three children, Nelson, Cricket and Hank, with his wife, Brittany Watts.)
Swalwell went on to apologize to anyone who may have “doubted” their support for the congressman amid his bid for governor of California as a result of the allegations.
“I think you know who I am,” he added. “For over 20 years, I have served the public as a city councilman, as a member of congress and as a prosecutor who went to court on behalf of victims — particularly on behalf of sexual assault victims. That’s who I am and have always been.”
He concluded, “This weekend I’m gonna spend time with my family and friends and I appreciate those who have reached out to me to show support. And I look forward to updating you very soon.
Many prominent members of the Democratic party have responded to the allegations against Swalwell, calling for an investigation and for the politician to drop out of the gubernatorial race.
“Following the incredibly disturbing sexual assault accusations against Congressman Eric Swalwell, we call for a swift investigation into these incidents and for the Congressman to immediately end his campaign to be California’s next governor,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a joint statement alongside Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democrratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar.
“This is unacceptable of anyone — certainly not an elected official — and must be taken seriously,” the statement continued. “We commend the courageous women for sharing their experiences. In this and all circumstances, we must ensure that those who come forward with allegations of sexual assault and harassment are heard and respected. All perpetrators of sexual assault and harassment must be held accountable.”
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
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