Rep. Eric Swalwell Ends Campaign for California Governor Amid Sexual Assault Allegations
Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell Suspends Gubernatorial Campaign Amid Sexual Assault Allegations
Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell announced on Sunday the suspension of his campaign for California Governor, following serious allegations of sexual assault made by a former staff member.
"I am suspending my campaign for Governor," Swalwell stated in a post on X. "To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made—but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s."
His announcement comes on the heels of intense scrutiny from both political parties, a response to an article published by the San Francisco Chronicle. The former aide alleged that while working in Swalwell’s office, he sexually assaulted her on two occasions when she was intoxicated and unable to give consent. The Chronicle verified her identity, confirming that she was employed by Swalwell from 2019 to 2021.
According to the article, the Chronicle corroborated the former staffer’s account through text messages she sent to a friend shortly after one of the alleged encounters, as well as discussions with her boyfriend at the time. Medical records indicating she sought pregnancy and STD tests following the incidents further supported her claims.
Swalwell denied the allegations in a statement to the Chronicle, labeling them "false." Following this, CNN reported that four additional women made similar allegations against Swalwell, one of whom claimed he sent unsolicited explicit photos.
While both NBC News and CNN noted they couldn’t independently substantiate the allegations, they confirmed the identities of the women involved and the contexts of their accusations.
In response to the revelations, various Democratic leaders, including Reps. Jimmy Gomez and Adam Gray of California, publicly urged Swalwell to withdraw from the race. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi also expressed the need for thorough investigation, stating, "This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability."
Further pressure came from outside California, as Sen. Ruben Gallego and 55 former congressional aides signed a letter calling for Swalwell to resign and for law enforcement to investigate the allegations. The letter emphasized support for the former aide, asserting, "No one is above the law." On Saturday, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office confirmed the initiation of an investigation into the sexual assault allegations.
The primary election for California’s gubernatorial race is scheduled for June 2, with early voting starting on May 4. Swalwell, who has been a significant figure in Congress since 2013, faced stiff competition among Democratic candidates, including billionaire Tom Steyer and former Rep. Katie Porter.
The recent allegations come at a turbulent time for Swalwell, who previously garnered attention during the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump and has faced scrutiny over his connections with a suspected Chinese spy. Following the latest developments, calls for his resignation from Congress have intensified, with several politicians indicating they would support expulsion votes if necessary.
As political repercussions mount, Swalwell’s future career remains uncertain, reflecting a growing demand for accountability within political circles.
