Representative Eric Swalwell, a leading candidate in California’s competitive gubernatorial race, has halted his campaign following serious allegations of sexual assault and misconduct made by a former staff member and at least three additional women.
According to a report from the San Francisco Chronicle published on Friday, a former employee of Swalwell has accused the congressman of sexually assaulting her on two occasions when she was too intoxicated to give consent.
Additionally, CNN reported that three other women have come forward with claims of misconduct, alleging that Swalwell sent them unsolicited nude images and inappropriate messages.
In a statement shared online, Swalwell expressed his intention to combat what he described as “serious, false allegations,” asserting that his battle is personal and separate from his campaign efforts. “I sincerely apologize to my family, staff, friends, and supporters for my past errors in judgment,” he stated.
At 45 years old, Swalwell has firmly rejected the allegations, labeling them as “false” and implying that they are part of a coordinated attempt to undermine his campaign. “I have dedicated nearly two decades to public service—as both a prosecutor and a congressman—always prioritizing the protection of women. I am prepared to defend myself with the truth and pursue legal action if necessary,” he previously stated. “My priority in the coming days is to be with my family and uphold our long-standing commitment to service against these unfounded claims.”
On the same day, the Department of Homeland Security announced an investigation into allegations that Swalwell employed a Brazilian national as a nanny without proper work authorization. These claims surfaced after Joel Gilbert, a California filmmaker known for a controversial documentary about Barack Obama, filed a 68-page complaint with immigration officials in February.
These sexual assault allegations emerged as Swalwell, who is married with three children, was gaining traction in a Democratic primary that had yet to identify a clear frontrunner. Almost immediately, several prominent colleagues and political opponents urged him to withdraw from the race, resulting in the resignation of multiple campaign staff members. Notably, California Senator Adam Schiff, a significant supporter of Swalwell’s campaign, rescinded his endorsement and called for his exit from the race, a sentiment echoed by Senator Alex Padilla, who has remained neutral in the contest.
Congressmen Jimmy Gomez and Adam Gray, who co-chaired Swalwell’s campaign, also resigned. “Trust is the foundation of my involvement in any campaign,” Gomez stated. “I cannot, in good conscience, continue in this role, and I am stepping down immediately.”
In a heartfelt message, Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego withdrew his endorsement and expressed regret for previously defending Swalwell against the allegations before having all the necessary information.
The California Teachers Association, a powerful union, also suspended its endorsement of Swalwell’s campaign, stating that its elected board would convene soon to discuss the next steps in accordance with the union’s democratic processes.
Swalwell, who is currently serving his seventh term representing northern California, gained national recognition as a vocal critic of Donald Trump. An ally of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, he was appointed as an impeachment manager during Trump’s second impeachment trial, which focused on Trump’s involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Swalwell briefly ran for president in 2020 but withdrew before the primary elections due to a lack of support.
He entered the gubernatorial race relatively late, officially announcing his candidacy during a November appearance on Jimmy Kimmel’s ABC late-night talk show.
His abrupt withdrawal has sent shockwaves through the crowded Democratic primary, raising concerns among California Democrats that two Republican candidates might advance to the general election in the state, which is known for its predominantly Democratic voter base. This scenario is a peculiarity of California’s primary system, which allows the top two vote-getters to proceed, regardless of their political affiliation.
Recent polling indicated that Swalwell was narrowly leading, followed closely by Republican candidates Steve Hilton, a political consultant originally from Britain, and Chad Bianco, the sheriff of Riverside County.
