Eric Swalwell Exits California Governor Race Amid Sexual Misconduct Claims

Rep. Eric Swalwell announced on Sunday that he is suspending his campaign for California governor, a decision influenced by mounting pressure from allies and staff amid serious sexual misconduct allegations against him.

“I am suspending my campaign for Governor,” Swalwell stated on social media platform X. “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.”

The congressman’s withdrawal comes after a former staffer accused him of sexual assault in a San Francisco Chronicle article published Friday. The woman claimed that during her time working in Swalwell's office, he assaulted her twice while she was intoxicated. Although the news outlet has not verified her claims, it confirmed her identity and employment with Swalwell from 2019 to 2021.

According to the Chronicle, the former staffer’s account was supported by text messages she sent to a friend shortly after one of the alleged incidents, where she expressed that she had told Swalwell to stop. Additionally, her boyfriend at the time corroborated her story, confirming she had confided in him about the alleged assault. Medical records reviewed by the paper indicated she sought tests for pregnancy and STDs afterward.

Swalwell has categorically denied the allegations, labeling them as “false” in a statement to the Chronicle.

Further complicating matters, CNN reported that four women have come forward with allegations against Swalwell, including one whose account aligns with details from the Chronicle article. Among them is Democratic influencer Ally Sammarco, who alleged that Swalwell sent her unsolicited explicit photos.

While CNN corroborated these accounts through interviews with family and friends, NBC News has not independently verified their claims.

In a video posted online, Swalwell reiterated his denial: “These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything I have.”

Despite his insistence on innocence, calls for his resignation intensified from fellow Democrats, including Reps. Jimmy Gomez and Adam Gray, who co-chaired his campaign.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed concern over the allegations, stating they “must be respected and heard.” She emphasized the need for a thorough investigation outside the context of a gubernatorial campaign.

Democrats beyond California also urged Swalwell to withdraw. Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona retracted his endorsement after reviewing the Chronicle’s reporting.

A public letter signed by 55 former congressional and campaign staffers called for Swalwell to resign from Congress and urged law enforcement to investigate the allegations made by the former staffer. “No one is above the law,” they stated.

On Saturday, the Manhattan district attorney’s office confirmed it is investigating the sexual assault allegations against Swalwell.

The primary election for California governor is set for June 2, with early voting beginning May 4. Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra remarked that Swalwell’s decision to exit was “the right thing to do,” emphasizing accountability.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan criticized Swalwell’s actions, stating he is “done” and that he deserves no credit for withdrawing from a race he should never have entered.

California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks stated that Swalwell “has finally done the right thing by ending his campaign for Governor,” asserting that his actions render him unfit for public office.

Despite his strong polling position among Democratic candidates, Swalwell now faces significant challenges as he navigates these serious allegations. The crowded primary field includes notable contenders like billionaire Tom Steyer and former Rep. Katie Porter.

All candidates will appear on the same primary ballot regardless of party affiliation in California, with the top two advancing to the general election. Concerns have arisen among Democrats about potential splits in this competitive field allowing two Republicans to secure general election slots.

Swalwell has served in Congress since 2013 and has been a vocal critic of former President Trump, notably serving as one of the impeachment prosecutors during Trump’s trial following the January 6 Capitol riot.

Previously, Swalwell was under scrutiny during a two-year investigation regarding ties to a suspected Chinese spy, Christina Fang. The House Ethics Committee ultimately took no action against him after concluding its investigation.

In light of recent allegations, calls for his resignation or expulsion from Congress have intensified. Rep. Ro Khanna stated he believes Swalwell should resign and called for both a law enforcement investigation and a House Ethics Committee inquiry.

Other California Democrats echoed similar sentiments over the weekend, with Reps. Sam Liccardo and Jared Huffman also advocating for Swalwell’s resignation from Congress.

Liccardo remarked on social media that Swalwell must face consequences for his actions and emphasized that Democrats should not shy away from addressing uncomfortable allegations against their own members.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna vowed to introduce a motion to expel Swalwell from the House floor, which would require a two-thirds majority to pass.

Several House members have indicated they would support expelling both Swalwell and GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales, who has faced similar allegations of misconduct.

As discussions around accountability continue, both parties are grappling with how to address these serious allegations within their ranks.