Eric Swalwell’s bid for governor has been thrown into turmoil after key supporters distanced themselves from his campaign, despite him denying allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman on two occasions.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — In a stunning political reversal, prominent supporters of Rep. Eric Swalwell’s campaign for California governor withdrew their support Friday after the congressman denied allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman twice, including while she was working for him.
Swalwell did not immediately heed those calls, saying on social media that he would be spending the weekend with family and friends and would share an update “very soon.”
“These allegations of sexual assault are completely false. They are absolutely false. They did not happen, never happened, and I will fight them with everything I have,” he said.
Swalwell was among the leading Democrats in the race to replace outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom. But in just a few hours, he saw his most prominent supporters – including the US Sen. Adam Schiff and powerful labor unions – withdraw their endorsements and call for his removal from the race.
Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential candidate who has avoided getting involved in the race to replace him, said in a statement: “As we continue to learn more, these allegations from multiple sources are deeply troubling and should be taken seriously.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has not endorsed the race, said the “serious allegations” should be investigated and that she spoke with Swalwell and suggested it be “out of a gubernatorial campaign.”
The allegations appeared at a critical stage of the open campaign to lead the nation’s most populous state. Voters will receive ballots in the mail next month before the June 2 election.
San Francisco Chronicle reported on Friday that a woman said Swalwell had sexually assaulted her in 2019 and 2024. The newspaper reviewed text messages related to the alleged 2024 assault and spoke to people she had told about it. She told the newspaper that she didn’t go to the police because she was afraid she wouldn’t be believed.
The woman worked for Swalwell in 2019 when the first alleged attack took place, and the 2024 attack allegedly happened after a charity gala, the paper reported. She said that on both occasions she was too drunk to consent to sex.
The newspaper did not name the woman, and The Associated Press has not been able to independently verify her account and identity. Her lawyer declined to comment.
Quick reaction from prominent Democrats
Schiff said in a social media post that he is “deeply disturbed” by the allegations, calling for Swalwell to end his bid for governor.
Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who helped run Swalwell’s campaign, said he will end his role effective immediately.
“The congressman needs to get out of the race now so he can have full accountability without doubt, distraction or delay,” Gomez said on social media.
Powerful labor unions, including the California Service Employees International Union and the California Teachers Association, said they were suspending their support. The California Federation of Labor Unions said it is “acting urgently” on next steps.
A spokesman for House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the allegations warrant a “serious and thorough investigation.”
Calls growing for Swalwell to quit
Swalwell is among a handful of prominent candidates in the crowded race to succeed Newsom, and he immediately came under pressure from all other Democratic rivals to withdraw from the race. The party is mired in a tumultuous primary season with some leaders fearing a crowded field could cost them a seat in November’s general election. The state’s primary system sends the top two vote-getters to the general election, regardless of party.
Swalwell on Tuesday kicked off a series of planned campaign events in Sacramento, where he told reporters he had never had sex with a staff member or intern. He canceled the next event scheduled in Palm Springs on Thursday.
Unconfirmed and non-specific rumors that Swalwell behaved inappropriately with female employees have circulated on social media for weeks, but the Chronicle’s story is the first reported account of someone making a direct allegation. CNN also reported that several women accused Swalwell of sending inappropriate sexual messages.
He suggested the allegations were part of an attack on him the momentum of the campaign.
Swalwell was elected in 2012 and represents a House district east of San Francisco. He started a presidential run in April 2019, but shut it down a few months later after failing to capture voters. Swalwell, who is married with three children, is perhaps best known nationally as President Donald Trump’s House manager. second impeachment trial during his first term in early 2021.
By TRÂN NGUYỄN and MICHAEL R. BLOOD Associated Press
Blood is reported from Los Angeles.
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