SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor on Sunday following sexual assault allegations that he continues to deny.
“I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s,” Swalwell said in a social media post.
Democrats quickly abandoned him after allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman twice, including when she worked for him, were published in the San Francisco Chronicle and later reported by CNN. The accusations emerged as Swalwell began to gain traction in the crowded race.
The timing is critical, coming less than a month before ballots go out in advance of the June 2 primary. The allegations prompted immediate backlash from fellow Democrats, some of whom urged Swalwell to exit the race and even called for his resignation from Congress.
Despite denying any wrongdoing, Swalwell acknowledged making past mistakes, stating, “To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past.” This came as he apologized to his wife in a video post.
Swalwell’s exit shakes up campaign
His departure has reshaped the landscape of the gubernatorial race, putting substantial pressure on remaining candidates as the party grapples with fears that too many candidates might hinder their chances in the general election.
The sexual assault allegations surfaced from a woman who claims Swalwell assaulted her in both 2019, when she was employed by him, and again in 2024. The woman reportedly feared being disbelieved, which prevented her from reporting the incidents at the time.
House colleagues from both sides of the aisle have begun calling for Swalwell’s resignation, with representatives articulating a need for accountability regarding the treatment of women in politics.
House colleagues call for Swalwell to resign
As pressure mounts from various factions within the party, discussions around possible expulsion from the House ensue, marking the seriousness of the situation that has unfolded over the weekend.
Swalwell, originally from Iowa, recently represented a district in California and is known for his participation in President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial in early 2021.
