Eric Swalwell Exits California Gubernatorial Race Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

California Representative Eric Swalwell announced the suspension of his gubernatorial campaign late Sunday, a decision driven by mounting pressure from fellow lawmakers after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced.

“I am suspending my campaign for Governor,” Swalwell stated on X. “To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past.”

Swalwell, 45, had been a frontrunner among Democratic candidates aiming to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, garnering endorsements from numerous influential figures and organizations. However, these endorsements quickly evaporated following reports from major news outlets on April 10 detailing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

In a firm denial of the accusations, Swalwell suggested that the claims were part of a coordinated attack intended to undermine his campaign. “I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s,” he asserted.

A former staffer alleged in the Chronicle that Swalwell had sexually assaulted her on two occasions between 2019 and 2024. At that time, he was significantly older than her and had been married for about two years.

Additionally, three other women recounted experiences of sexual misconduct involving Swalwell from 2021 to 2025, including unsolicited nude photos and unwanted advances while he was intoxicated.

Legal threats followed as at least three women received cease-and-desist letters from Swalwell’s attorney, warning them to retract their “false” claims or face legal action.

In the wake of these allegations, senior officials within Swalwell’s campaign resigned. Staff members from both his congressional office and gubernatorial campaign issued statements condemning his actions.

By April 11, the Manhattan district attorney’s office had initiated an investigation into the former staffer’s claims of assault occurring in New York City.

In response to Swalwell's announcement, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, also a gubernatorial candidate, remarked: “Eric Swalwell is done. Done abusing women. Done climbing the political ladder. Done.” He criticized Swalwell for not deserving credit for exiting a race he should never have entered, emphasizing that California deserves better leadership.

Calls for Swalwell to resign from Congress intensified, with some lawmakers urging his expulsion from the House altogether. Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna from Florida had intended to file a motion for his expulsion.

Swalwell served California’s 15th district from 2013 until 2023 and currently represents the state’s 14th district.