Eric Swalwell’s Former Chief of Staff Says He ‘Rightfully Has No One Working for Him Anymore’

Sarah RumpfApr 14th, 2026, 5:29 pm
 
Eric Swalwell

(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Rep. Eric Swalwell’s (D-CA) former chief of staff — correction, former Rep. Swalwell’s former chief of staff — took a shot at his erstwhile boss Tuesday when asked for comment about the sexual misconduct allegations against him.

This month, Swalwell has faced a wave of accusations from women that he sent explicit messages, including unsolicited nude photos and videos, plus more serious allegations from a former staffer who says he sexually assaulted her while she was intoxicated. Swalwell has admitted to “mistakes in judgment” but denied he sexually assaulted anyone. Many of his staffers, at both his gubernatorial campaign and congressional office, resigned, and a large group of current and former staffers issued a statement supporting his accusers. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and House Ethics Committee have opened investigations into Swalwell.

Sunday evening, Swalwell announced he was suspending his campaign for California governor. By Monday evening, he had announced he was resigning his congressional seat as well amid growing bipartisan calls for his expulsion from the House.

Swalwell’s resignation letter was read aloud from the House floor, making his congressional exit effective at 2:00 pm ET Tuesday — hours after yet another woman came forward to accuse him of drugging and raping her.

Ella Lee, legal affairs reporter for The Hill, contacted Benjamin Burnett, Swalwell’s chief of staff for a comment about the sexual misconduct allegations against him.

Burnett’s reply was short and sharp.

“Hello Ella,” Burnett’s reply began. “As of 2:00PM ET Today neither Cassie [Baloue] nor I work for or report to the former Congressman.”

“We will not be commenting on his behalf, relaying your request to him, or contacting/coordinating with him in any way,” Burnett continued. “He rightfully has no one working for him anymore. We work for the people of California’s 14th Congressional district.”

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Sarah Rumpf - Contributing Editor

Sarah Rumpf joined Mediaite in 2020 and is a Contributing Editor focusing on politics, law, and the media. A native Floridian, Sarah attended the University of Florida, graduating with a double major in Political Science and German, and earned her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the UF College of Law. Sarah's writing has been featured at National Review, The Daily Beast, Reason, Law&Crime, Independent Journal Review, Texas Monthly, The Capitolist, Breitbart Texas, Townhall, RedState, The Orlando Sentinel, and the Austin-American Statesman, and her political commentary has led to appearances on television, radio, and podcast programs across the globe. Follow Sarah on Threads, Twitter, and Bluesky.