Listen to the article
California Congressman Eric Swalwell Suspends Gubernatorial Campaign Amid Sexual Assault Allegations
U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor on Sunday following allegations of sexual assault from a former congressional staffer. The Bay Area congressman, who had been a leading Democratic contender in the race, announced his withdrawal days after damaging reports emerged from major news outlets.
“To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past,” Swalwell wrote on social media. “I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.”
CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle recently published reports alleging that Swalwell engaged in sexual misconduct with several women. The most serious accusation came from a former staffer who claimed Swalwell raped her in 2024. The CNN investigation included text messages the staffer sent to friends shortly after the alleged incident describing the assault. Swalwell has categorically denied these accusations, calling them “absolutely false.”
The allegations triggered an immediate exodus of support. Several Democratic members of Congress withdrew their endorsements, along with influential labor groups including the California Federation of Labor Unions and the California Teachers Association. At least four campaign staffers resigned in the wake of the revelations.
Before the scandal broke, Swalwell had established himself as a frontrunner in the gubernatorial race. At the California Democratic Party’s February convention, he received the highest share of delegate votes at 24%, though this fell short of securing the party’s official endorsement. Recent polling had shown him in a three-way tie with former Representative Katie Porter and billionaire investor Tom Steyer.
Political analysts suggest Swalwell’s withdrawal could redirect voter support to Porter or Steyer, potentially reshaping the Democratic primary field with just weeks remaining before the June primary election.
The controversy has also affected Swalwell’s position in Congress, with some House members from both parties calling for his resignation. Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna of Florida announced plans to file a motion to expel him from the House.
Meanwhile, California’s Republican Party also faces challenges in the gubernatorial race. At their weekend convention in San Diego, delegates failed to coalesce around either of their leading candidates – Steve Hilton, a political strategist and former Fox News host who received President Donald Trump’s endorsement, or Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. Neither candidate reached the 60% threshold required for the party’s official endorsement.
The Republican convention highlighted the party’s struggle with how closely to align with Trump in down-ballot races. While state party officials attempted to create some distance from the president, convention delegates remained visibly supportive of Trump.
In legislative news, the California Senate’s judiciary committee advanced a bill designed to protect LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy. The legislation, introduced by Senator Scott Wiener of San Francisco, would extend the statute of limitations for medical malpractice suits against mental health professionals who attempt to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill represents California’s response to a recent 8-1 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down Colorado’s conversion therapy ban on free speech grounds.
Environmental developments include plans to reopen California’s commercial salmon fishing season after three consecutive years of cancellations that devastated the industry. However, the reopening comes with strict fishing dates and harvest limits. Governor Gavin Newsom also announced the creation of the state’s first new conservancy in more than 15 years, focused on managing the habitat and improving air quality around Southern California’s Salton Sea, where toxic dust from the shrinking lake has been linked to asthma and other health problems in nearby communities.
These developments unfold against a backdrop of ongoing challenges in the state’s technology sector, where Meta, Oracle, and Qualcomm have announced layoffs across California, and debates over Los Angeles’ readiness to host the upcoming Olympics without financial strain.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
8 Comments
This is a complex and sensitive situation. I appreciate Swalwell’s acknowledgment of past mistakes, though the assault claims require a thorough investigation. Voters will want to see justice and accountability.
Swalwell was seen as a rising star in the Democratic party, so this development is certainly a significant blow. The assault allegations, if true, are very concerning. I’ll be watching closely to see how this unfolds.
Quite a damaging story for Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign. The allegations seem quite serious, though his denial is firm. I hope a thorough investigation can uncover the facts and provide justice for all involved.
The timing of these allegations, right as Swalwell was gaining momentum, is quite suspicious. However, the details reported seem quite damning. I’m curious to see if any further evidence emerges to corroborate or refute the claims.
Troubling news about Swalwell’s campaign. Allegations of sexual misconduct are always alarming and should be taken seriously. I hope a fair process can determine the facts and provide closure for all involved.
This is a concerning development for the California governor’s race. Assault allegations are always serious and should be investigated fully. I’m curious to see how this affects the broader field and voter sentiment.
Absolutely. Voters will be watching closely to see how this plays out and how Swalwell responds. Transparency and due process will be critical.
Swalwell’s withdrawal is understandable given the severity of the accusations. Still, I hope the truth can be established through proper channels. Voters deserve leaders of the highest integrity, regardless of party.