SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Congressman Eric Swalwell’s bid for governor collapsed into chaos Friday as major Democratic figures and organizations abandoned his campaign following sexual assault accusations that the lawmaker categorically denies.
The dramatic political fallout unfolded rapidly after allegations emerged that Swalwell sexually assaulted a woman on two separate occasions, including once when she was employed by him.
“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,” Swalwell declared.
Despite his firm denial, the congressman indicated he would take time to consider his next steps, posting on social media that he planned to spend the weekend with loved ones before providing an update “very soon.”
Swalwell had been considered a frontrunner among Democrats seeking to succeed outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom. However, within hours of the allegations becoming public, his campaign infrastructure began crumbling as key endorsers distanced themselves and demanded his withdrawal.
Senator Adam Schiff announced he was “deeply distressed” by the accusations and urged Swalwell to abandon his gubernatorial pursuit.
Governor Newsom, who has largely stayed neutral in the succession battle and is viewed as a potential 2028 presidential contender, issued a statement calling the multi-source allegations “deeply troubling and must be taken seriously.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has not endorsed any candidate, described the claims as “serious allegations” requiring investigation and revealed she advised Swalwell that such scrutiny should occur “outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”
The timing proves particularly damaging as California’s election process enters a crucial phase, with mail-in ballots scheduled for distribution next month ahead of the June 2 primary.
According to reporting by the San Francisco Chronicle, a woman alleged Swalwell assaulted her in both 2019 and 2024. The publication examined text messages related to the more recent alleged incident and interviewed individuals the woman had confided in. She explained to reporters that she avoided contacting law enforcement due to concerns about credibility.
The allegations detail that the initial incident occurred in 2019 when the woman was on Swalwell’s staff, while the second allegedly happened following a charity fundraising event in 2024. In both instances, she claims she was too intoxicated to provide consent.
The Chronicle protected the woman’s identity, and The Associated Press has been unable to independently confirm her allegations or identity. Her legal representative declined to provide comment.
Democratic Representative Jimmy Gomez, who had been managing Swalwell’s campaign operations, announced his immediate departure from the role.
“The congressman should leave the race now so there can be full accountability without doubt, distraction, or delay,” Gomez stated on social media.
Major labor organizations also withdrew their backing, with the California Service Employees International Union and California Teachers Association suspending their endorsements. The California Federation of Labor Unions indicated they were “acting urgently” to determine their response.
A representative for House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized that the accusations warrant a “serious and thorough investigation.”
The controversy has intensified pressure within an already contentious Democratic primary, with party leaders concerned that the crowded field could jeopardize their chances in the November general election. California’s top-two primary system advances the two highest vote recipients regardless of party affiliation.
Earlier this week, Swalwell had launched a series of campaign stops in Sacramento, where he told media representatives he had never engaged in sexual relationships with staff members or interns. He subsequently canceled a planned Thursday event in Palm Springs.
While vague rumors about Swalwell’s conduct with female staff had circulated on social platforms for weeks, the Chronicle’s report represents the first documented accusation from an identified source. CNN has also reported that multiple women have accused Swalwell of sending inappropriate sexual communications.
Swalwell has suggested the allegations represent targeted attacks due to his campaign’s growing success.
First elected to Congress in 2012, Swalwell represents a district east of San Francisco. He briefly pursued the presidency in 2019 before ending that campaign due to limited voter support. The married father of three gained national prominence as a House manager during President Donald Trump’s second impeachment proceedings in early 2021.
