SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor on Sunday following serious sexual assault allegations which he continues to deny.
“I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s,” Swalwell stated in a social media post.
Swalwell's exit comes after allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman—who was a former staff member—were reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN. The reports surfaced as Swalwell had begun to gain traction in a crowded field of candidates.
The timing is critical, with ballots set to go out less than a month before the June 2 primary, and the news adds to the uncertainty of a political landscape that has already seen a chaotic race among Democrats to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom, who cannot seek a third term.
His withdrawal has led to a swift abandonment by many Democratic allies, including labor unions that previously endorsed him, calling into question his viability as a candidate. Additionally, fellow lawmakers are urging Swalwell to resign from his congressional position, although he made no mention of this in his announcement.
Though he has denied the allegations, Swalwell’s statements hint at past personal misjudgments, stating, “I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past.” A quick succession of events has marked a dramatic shift for a candidate who had recently appeared to rise as a leading figure in the race.
The Chronicle spoke with a woman who alleged that Swalwell assaulted her in 2019 and again in 2024. She stated fear of disbelief was the reason for not reporting the incidents to authorities at the time.
Political ramifications are widespread, given California's primary election system allows the top two candidates to advance, regardless of party affiliation, potentially sidelining Democrats if key players are eliminated early.
The departure is likely to catalyze a scramble among remaining candidates to secure Swalwell's supporters as other candidates like billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer and former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter are already in the fray, while Republican candidates include former Fox News host Steve Hilton with Trump's backing.
Calls for Swalwell’s resignation from Congress are gaining momentum from fellow California Reps, suggesting that this situation is not merely a campaign issue, but one of broader consequences for his political career.
