In brief
Congressman Eric Swalwell has withdrawn from the California governor race, driven by allegations of sexual misconduct. The accusations, involving four women and ranging from harassment to rape, have led to intensified pressure from his allies to exit the race. His decision comes just weeks before voters receive mail ballots for the June election, where he was previously viewed as a leading candidate among Democrats.
US congressman Eric Swalwell has dropped out of California's governor race following growing pressure over sexual misconduct allegations.
The Democrat has been accused by four women of misconduct ranging from sexual harassment to rape. He has denied the claims and vowed to defend himself with facts.
Still, top allies intensified pressure on him to exit the gubernatorial race in which he was projected as one of the frontrunners among Democratic candidates.
His departure comes at a pivotal moment in the wide-open primary race, just weeks before voters receive mail ballots ahead of the 2 June election to replace outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom and to lead the nation's most populous state.
In a post on X he said: I am suspending my campaign for Governor.
To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past.
I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made - but that's my fight, not a campaign's.
