Katie Porter Denies Relationship with Influencer in Swalwell Allegations, Campaign States

The allegations surrounding Rep. Eric Swalwell have stirred controversy ahead of the upcoming election. The viral claims primarily stem from the online influencer Cheyenne Hunt. She is a progressive activist with ties to academia and political circles.

Katie Porter Denies Relationship with Influencer

Katie Porter, a law professor at UC Irvine and a rival gubernatorial candidate, has denied any meaningful relationship with Hunt. Porter’s campaign spokesperson, Peter Opitz, stated in an email, “They don’t have a relationship to speak of.” Opitz highlighted that Porter had endorsed a different candidate in a neighboring district.

Background of Cheyenne Hunt

• Hunt graduated from UC Irvine School of Law in 2021.
• She interned on Capitol Hill for a Democratic Senator while Porter was serving in Congress.
• Hunt referred to Porter as a “trailblazer” in a social media post.

During her time at UC Irvine, Porter maintained her affiliation with the institution while in Congress. She continued to reside on campus and hosted law students in her congressional office during government disruptions.

Allegations Against Swalwell

Swalwell’s team has fiercely rejected claims of inappropriate behavior, blaming competitors for spreading unfounded rumors just weeks before the election. His spokesperson, Micah Beasley, stated, “This false, outrageous rumor is being spread… because they know Eric Swalwell is the frontrunner in this race.” Beasley emphasized that no ethics complaints had ever been filed against Swalwell during his 13 years in office.

Porter’s Statements on the Allegations

Katie Porter discussed the troubling allegations on CNN, indicating they originate from female staffers. She mentioned, “It is those women’s stories to tell when they are ready.” However, she also noted that she hasn’t spoken to any women who intend to come forward. Porter underscored the necessity of creating a safe environment for potential victims of sexual harassment or assault.

Hunt’s Role and Future Plans

Cheyenne Hunt has indicated that she is collaborating with multiple women who may come forward regarding claims against Swalwell. She has yet to provide specific details or identify these individuals. Hunt’s extensive involvement with the UC Irvine Law School’s Washington pipeline highlights her political engagement, including her contributions during significant national events.

In a surprising twist, Hunt’s prior congressional bid aimed for an Orange County seat, which she ultimately lost. This seat was previously held by Michelle Steele and later won by Derek Tran after redistricting affected Porter’s own congressional district.

The unfolding situation highlights the intersections of personal connections and political maneuvering as the election draws near.