In brief
Democrat Eric Swalwell has suspended his campaign for California governor in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations from several women. These allegations, which range from harassment to rape, have created significant pressure from party allies for Swalwell to step back from the race.
US Congressman Eric Swalwell has dropped out of the California governor race following growing pressure over sexual misconduct allegations. The Democrat has been accused by four women of misconduct ranging from sexual harassment to rape. He has denied the claims and vowed to defend himself with 'facts'. Top allies had called on him to exit the gubernatorial race, in which he was projected as one of the frontrunners among Democratic candidates. His departure comes at a pivotal moment in the wide-open primary race, just weeks before voters receive postal ballots ahead of the 2 June election to replace outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom and to lead the nation's most populous state. Swalwell announced his campaign suspension on social media, expressing regret for 'mistakes in judgment' made in the past, and emphasized that he would fight the serious allegations made against him. The allegations first surfaced in the San Francisco Chronicle, detailing inappropriate comments and soliciting sexual advances towards a former staff member. The former staff member claimed that Swalwell made inappropriate comments shortly after she was hired and described an incident from September 2019 where she woke up in his hotel room without clear recollection of the night before. Following the emergence of these allegations, prominent Democratic figures withdrew their support, further pressuring Swalwell to step down. Despite his efforts to challenge the accusations legally, he found himself isolated as more allegations came forward. Swalwell's departure leaves an open candidacy in a crucial state election, with various candidates now vying for attention in a historically Democratic state that may see a divided electorate.
