Swalwell's Gubernatorial Campaign Faces Collapse as Key Allies Withdraw Support Over Sexual Assault Allegations
In a dramatic political upheaval, prominent supporters of Representative Eric Swalwell's campaign for California governor have abruptly withdrawn their endorsements, following the congressman's denial of sexual assault allegations reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. The swift backlash has thrown the Democratic primary into turmoil, with calls for Swalwell to exit the race intensifying just weeks before mail ballots are distributed for the June 2 election.
Allegations and Immediate Fallout
The San Francisco Chronicle reported on Friday that a woman, who worked for Swalwell in 2019, accused him of sexually assaulting her twice—once in 2019 and again in 2024 after a charity gala. According to the newspaper, the woman stated she was too intoxicated to consent to sex on both occasions and did not report the incidents to police out of fear of not being believed. The Associated Press has not independently verified the account, and the woman's lawyer declined to comment.
Swalwell vehemently denied the allegations on social media, asserting, "These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They're absolutely false. They did not happen, they have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have." He added that he would spend the weekend with family and provide an update soon, but did not immediately address the growing calls for his withdrawal.
Key Supporters Abandon Swalwell
Within hours of the report, Swalwell's campaign suffered significant blows as top Democratic figures and organizations rescinded their support:
- U.S. Senator Adam Schiff expressed being "deeply distressed" by the allegations and called for Swalwell to end his gubernatorial bid.
- Representative Jimmy Gomez, who helped manage Swalwell's campaign, announced he is immediately ending his role, urging Swalwell to leave the race to ensure accountability without distraction.
- Major labor unions, including the California Service Employees International Union and the California Teachers Association, suspended their endorsements, with the California Federation of Labor Unions stating it is "acting urgently" on next steps.
Outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom, a likely 2028 presidential candidate who has avoided involvement in the race, issued a statement calling the allegations "deeply troubling and must be taken seriously." Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has not endorsed any candidate, emphasized that the "serious allegations" require investigation outside the gubernatorial campaign context.
Campaign Context and Broader Implications
Swalwell, elected in 2012 and representing a House district east of San Francisco, was among the leading Democrats vying to replace Newsom. His campaign had gained momentum, but the allegations have prompted all other Democratic rivals to pressure him to withdraw. The party faces a messy primary season under California's top-two primary system, which advances the two highest vote-getters to the general election regardless of party affiliation.
Earlier in the week, Swalwell kicked off campaign events in Sacramento, where he told reporters he has never had a sexual relationship with a staff member or intern. He canceled a subsequent event in Palm Springs on Thursday. While uncorroborated rumors about inappropriate behavior with female staffers had circulated on social media, the Chronicle's report marks the first direct accusation. CNN also reported that several women accused Swalwell of sending inappropriate sexual messages.
Swalwell has suggested the allegations are politically motivated attacks due to his campaign's progress. Known nationally for his role as a House manager in President Donald Trump's second impeachment trial in 2021, Swalwell previously launched a short-lived presidential run in 2019. He is married with three children.
As the race enters a critical phase, the fallout underscores the heightened scrutiny on candidates' conduct and the rapid impact of such allegations in modern political campaigns.
