Eric Swalwell Suspends California Gubernatorial Campaign Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

Mon Apr 13 2026 05:48:37 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell has suspended his campaign for California governor after facing sexual assault allegations, which he vehemently denies. His exit has shaken up a crowded gubernatorial race with imminent primary elections.

Rep. Eric Swalwell announced the suspension of his gubernatorial campaign amidst serious sexual assault allegations against him, which he firmly denies. Democrats have quickly abandoned him, urging his resignation from Congress as well. The accusations have dramatically altered the landscape of California's upcoming governor's race, prompting rival candidates to scramble for support.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell announced on Sunday that he was suspending his campaign for California governor, following sexual assault allegations that he has consistently denied. In a social media statement, Swalwell declared, 'I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.'

His exit from the race comes less than a month away from the June 2 primary election, with allegations surfacing that he sexually assaulted a woman twice, including once while she was employed by him. Reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN prompted swift refusals of support from the Democratic party and declared he should resign his congressional seat.

The swift denunciation from his colleagues, alongside damaging claims, indicates that Swalwell had lost significant ground in his bid to replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. As Swalwell withdrew, his Democratic opponents faced the challenge of attracting his supporters as frontrunners in a large field, notably billionaire activist Tom Steyer and former Rep. Katie Porter.

In a further blow, the woman alleging misconduct stated that the incidents occurred when she was too intoxicated to consent to sexual encounters. The Manhattan District Attorney's office confirmed it is investigating the allegations.

Politically, Swalwell's departure has shifted the dynamics of a gubernatorial race fraught with challenges, as the state's top-two primary system complicates the likelihood of Democrats making it through to the general election.

Calls for Swalwell's resignation echoed through Congress, stressing the serious nature of the allegations against him. Representative Pramila Jayapal articulated that the issues transcended party lines, addressing broader societal concerns around the treatment of women.

Swalwell, first elected to Congress in 2012 and known for his role as a House impeachment manager against former President Trump, now faces an uncertain political future as new allegations put his career into question.