Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell has abruptly suspended his campaign for California governor, throwing the crowded race into further turmoil. His exit comes just days after allegations surfaced that he sexually assaulted a woman on two occasions, including once while she was employed by him.
The allegations were first published Friday by the San Francisco Chronicle and later corroborated by CNN. In a statement posted to social media, Swalwell denied the accusations as false but acknowledged that fighting them is now his personal battle, separate from the campaign.
With mail ballots scheduled to reach voters in early May ahead of the June 2 primary, rival candidates are now scrambling to secure Swalwell’s former supporters. The field remains wide open, with no single candidate having established a clear lead among the more than 50 contenders.
Leading Democrat Katie Porter hinted at consolidating support, while billionaire activist Tom Steyer announced he had secured the endorsement of Rep. Jared Huffman. Despite suspending his campaign, Swalwell’s name will remain on the primary ballot under California election law.
Voters Remain Disengaged
Although Swalwell gained national prominence as a House manager during President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial in 2021, many California voters remain disconnected from the gubernatorial race. Political consultants note that while more people may recognize Swalwell’s name now due to the scandal, few can articulate specific policy positions from other candidates like Steyer.
The race was already considered fluid, with seven established Democrats and two leading Republicans vying to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. The top-two primary system means that if too many Democrats split the vote, the party risks being shut out of the November general election.
Details of the Allegations
The San Francisco Chronicle spoke to a woman who alleged that Swalwell sexually assaulted her in 2019 and again in 2024, stating she was too intoxicated to consent in both instances. She told the newspaper she did not report the incidents at the time due to fear of not being believed. CNN also reported on accounts from several other women alleging misconduct.
The alleged 2024 incident reportedly took place in New York, prompting the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office to open an investigation. Neither media outlet named the accuser, and independent verification of the claims has not been completed.
Mounting Pressure to Resign
As the scandal unfolded over the weekend, multiple members of Congress, including fellow California representatives Jared Huffman, Ro Khanna, and Sam Liccardo, called for Swalwell to resign from the House. Representatives from other states, including Teresa Leger Fernández and Pramila Jayapal, echoed these calls, describing the issue as non-partisan and rooted in the mistreatment of women.
Some lawmakers indicated they would support expelling Swalwell from the U.S. House if he refuses to step down voluntarily. Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna announced plans to file a motion to begin expulsion proceedings when the House returns to session.
Expulsion requires a two-thirds majority vote and is historically rare; only six members have been expelled in House history, most recently George Santos in 2023. Several Democrats noted they would also support expelling Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas, who admitted to an affair with a staff member.
Swalwell, first elected in 2012 to represent a district east of San Francisco, previously launched a short-lived presidential campaign in 2019. He apologized to his family and supporters for past “mistakes in judgment” but continues to deny the sexual assault allegations.