SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor on Sunday following serious sexual assault allegations that he continues to deny. He made this announcement via social media, stating, I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.
Following the allegations, which claim that Swalwell sexually assaulted a woman twice, including while she was employed by him, many Democrats quickly distanced themselves from him. Reports detailing these accusations emerged on Friday in the San Francisco Chronicle and were subsequently covered by CNN as well.
Swalwell's departure from the race comes less than a month before ballots are sent out for the upcoming primary scheduled for June 2. As the campaign holds significant importance, various Democratic rivals urged Swalwell to step aside, and his support eroded sharply among allies in Congress and labor unions who previously endorsed him.
Despite the growing pressure, Swalwell has not addressed calls for him to resign his congressional seat. In a dramatic turn, his quick exit has disrupted the competitive gubernatorial race to replace Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is ineligible for a third term.
In statements reflecting on his past, Swalwell apologized to his family, staff, and supporters for mistakes in judgment. He specifically acknowledged the impact of his actions in a public video addressed to his wife.
Swalwell's Exit Reshapes the Gubernatorial Race
The fallout from these allegations poses a significant change to the rapidly evolving gubernatorial race in California. With a top-two primary system, the abundance of candidates raises concerns that Democrats could be sidelined in the general election.
Other prominent candidates in the race include billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer and former Representative Katie Porter. Republican frontrunners include Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host endorsed by Trump, and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
Allegations detailed by the San Francisco Chronicle included claims that Swalwell assaulted the same woman in 2019 and again in 2024, when she stated she was too intoxicated to consent to sexual activity. Although neither outlet disclosed the woman's identity, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office has initiated an investigation into the 2024 incident.
Democratic Colleagues Push for Resignation
As political pressure mounted, several of Swalwell's congressional colleagues called for his resignation, citing the gravity of the allegations. Notably, Representatives Jared Huffman, Ro Khanna, and others framed their collective stance as one that transcends party lines, underscoring broader issues regarding the treatment of women.
With Congress reconvening, the question of Swalwell's potential expulsion could surface soon. Although votes for expulsion are rare, recent events certainly add complexity to political maneuvers surrounding his future in office.
Swalwell, who has served since 2012 in a district east of San Francisco, gained national recognition during President Trump’s second impeachment trial, casting him as a significant player in modern political discourse.
