Swalwell Suspends Gubernatorial Campaign Amid Allegations

Representative Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) has decided to pause his campaign to become California’s next governor, just a few days after facing sexual assault allegations from multiple women.

In a message on X, Swalwell expressed that he “deeply regrets my error in judgment” and stated, “I will fight against any serious and false allegations.” He announced, “I am canceling my gubernatorial campaign,” offering apologies to his family, staff, friends, and supporters for his past mistakes.

He added that while he intends to confront the serious allegations against him, those issues are separate from his political campaign.

His announcement followed claims made by former staffers, with one woman alleging that Swalwell sexually assaulted her on several occasions, including incidents in 2019 and 2024, and that he attempted to kiss her while she was working for him.

The woman described a night when Swalwell, who is married and significantly older than her, tried to kiss her in her car after a donor meeting. She also recounted an incident where he allegedly exposed himself and asked her for oral sex, which she said she performed in a parking lot.

In September 2019, she mentioned going out for drinks with Swalwell, but she ended up very drunk and couldn’t recall the details. She awoke in his hotel bed feeling the effects of intercourse. Following this, she noted that Swalwell distanced himself, causing their relationship to deteriorate.

Years later, during an April 2024 gala honoring Swalwell, she claimed they went out for drinks, but she was again too intoxicated to clearly remember everything, only that she attempted to refuse his advances.

Former staff members corroborated her allegations, and CNN reported that three other women had also accused Swalwell of various forms of sexual misconduct.

In light of these allegations, several Democrats, including Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), as well as Representative Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), have withdrawn their support for Swalwell’s campaign. House Democratic leaders, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), have urged him to suspend his gubernatorial bid.

Additionally, several staffers from Swalwell’s office and campaign expressed their shock at the allegations in a letter, reaffirming their support for the women who have come forward.