Allies Withdraw Support for Swalwell Governor Bid Amid Sexual Assault Allegations/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Rep. Eric Swalwell lost major endorsements after sexual assault allegations surfaced. Prominent Democrats and labor unions quickly withdrew support. Swalwell denies the allegations and says he will respond soon.
Eric Swalwell Governor Race Quick Looks
- Swalwell denies sexual assault allegations
- Key supporters withdraw endorsements
- Sen. Adam Schiff calls for withdrawal
- Labor unions suspend campaign support
- Gavin Newsom calls allegations troubling
- Nancy Pelosi urges investigation
- Election ballots mailed next month
- Crowded California governor race shaken
Deep Look: Allies Withdraw Support for Swalwell Governor Bid Amid Sexual Assault Allegations
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Rep. Eric Swalwell’s campaign for California governor faced a dramatic setback Friday after prominent allies withdrew their support following allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman on two occasions.
Swalwell strongly denied the allegations, calling them “flat false” and vowing to fight them. He said he planned to spend time with family over the weekend before providing an update on his campaign.
“These allegations of sexual assault are flat false,” Swalwell said. “They did not happen, they have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have.”
The allegations surfaced at a critical point in the race to replace outgoing California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Swalwell had been considered one of the leading Democratic candidates in the crowded primary.
Swift Political Fallout
Within hours of the allegations becoming public, several prominent supporters withdrew endorsements and called for Swalwell to exit the race.
U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff said he was “deeply distressed” by the allegations and urged Swalwell to step aside. Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who had helped run Swalwell’s campaign, announced he was immediately ending his role.
“The congressman should leave the race now so there can be full accountability without doubt, distraction, or delay,” Gomez said.
Powerful labor groups also pulled support, including:
- California Service Employees International Union
- California Teachers Association
- California Federation of Labor Unions
The California Federation of Labor Unions said it was urgently reviewing next steps.
House Democratic leadership also weighed in, with a spokesperson for House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling for a “serious and thorough investigation.”
Newsom and Pelosi Respond
Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has largely avoided involvement in the race to replace him, said the allegations were troubling.
“As we continue to learn more, these allegations from multiple sources are deeply troubling and must be taken seriously,” Newsom said.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has not endorsed a candidate, also called for an investigation.
Pelosi said she spoke directly with Swalwell and suggested any inquiry take place “outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”
Details of Allegations
The allegations were first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. A woman claimed Swalwell sexually assaulted her in 2019 and again in 2024.
According to the report:
- The woman worked for Swalwell in 2019
- The second alleged incident occurred after a charity gala in 2024
- She said she was too intoxicated to consent in both cases
- She did not report the incidents to police
The Associated Press reported it has not independently verified the allegations, and the woman’s attorney declined to comment.
CNN also reported that multiple women accused Swalwell of sending inappropriate messages.
Campaign Under Pressure
Swalwell had already begun campaign events in Sacramento earlier this week, telling reporters he had never had a sexual relationship with a staff member or intern. He later canceled a planned campaign stop in Palm Springs.
The controversy comes as Democrats face a crowded primary field under California’s top-two system, which advances the two highest vote-getters regardless of party.
Party leaders worry that divisions in the Democratic field could complicate their chances in November.
Swalwell’s Political Background
Swalwell has represented a congressional district east of San Francisco since 2012. He previously ran for president in 2019 but ended his campaign after failing to gain traction.
He gained national attention as a House manager during President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial in 2021.
Now, the allegations and rapid political backlash threaten to derail his bid for California governor as the campaign enters a crucial phase ahead of the June 2 election.
With mail ballots set to be distributed next month, pressure is mounting for Swalwell to decide whether he will remain in the race.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.