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In a dramatic twist within California’s political landscape, several key backers of Representative Eric Swalwell’s gubernatorial bid pulled their endorsements on Friday. This development follows Swalwell’s denial of accusations claiming he sexually assaulted a woman on two occasions, including an incident during her time as his employee.
Swalwell did not immediately respond to calls for his resignation. Instead, he took to social media to announce plans to spend the weekend with his loved ones, promising to provide an update “very soon.”
He firmly rejected the allegations, stating, “These claims of sexual assault are categorically false. They never happened, and I am prepared to contest them vigorously.”
Swalwell, once a frontrunner among Democrats aiming to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, faced a swift withdrawal of support from key figures, including U.S. Senator Adam Schiff and influential labor organizations, who urged him to step down.
In a statement, Governor Newsom, who is seen as a potential presidential candidate for 2028 and has kept a distance from the gubernatorial race, commented, “As more information comes to light, these multiple allegations are profoundly concerning and warrant serious attention.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who hasn’t endorsed in the race, said the “serious allegations” must be investigated and that she spoke to Swalwell and suggested that be done “outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”
The allegations surfaced at a critical stage of the wide-open campaign to lead the nation’s most populous state. Voters will receive mail ballots next month in advance of the June 2 election.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday that a woman said Swalwell sexually assaulted her in 2019 and 2024. The newspaper reviewed text messages about the alleged 2024 assault and spoke to people whom she had told about it. She told the newspaper she did not go to police because she was afraid she would not be believed.
The woman worked for Swalwell in 2019, when the first alleged assault occurred, and the 2024 assault allegedly occurred after a charity gala, the newspaper reported. She said in both cases she was too intoxicated to consent to sex.
The paper didn’t name the woman, and The Associated Press has not been able to independently verify her account and identity. Her lawyer declined to comment.
Swift backlash from prominent Democrats
Schiff said in a social media post he’s “deeply distressed” by the allegations, calling for Swalwell to end his gubernatorial bid.
Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who helped run Swalwell’s campaign, said he’s immediately ending his role.
“The congressman should leave the race now so there can be 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’re suspending their support. The California Federation of Labor Unions said it’s “acting urgently” on next steps.
A spokesperson for House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said the allegations require a “serious and thorough investigation.”
Growing calls for Swalwell to drop out
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 has been mired in a messy primary season with some leaders fearing the crowded field could cost them spot in the November general election. The state’s top-two primary system sends the two highest vote getters onto the general election regardless of party.
Swalwell on Tuesday kicked off a planned series of campaign events in Sacramento, where he told reporters he’s never had a sexual relationship with a staff member or intern. He canceled the next scheduled event in Palm Springs on Thursday.
Uncorroborated and nonspecific rumors that Swalwell behaved inappropriately with female staffers have circulated on social media for weeks, but the Chronicle’s story is the first reported account of someone making a direct accusation. CNN also reported that several women accused Swalwell of sending them inappropriate sexual messages.
He’s suggested the allegations were part of an attack due to his campaign’s momentum.
Swalwell was elected in 2012 and represents a House district east of San Francisco. He launched a presidential run in April 2019 but shuttered it a few months later after failing to catch on with voters. Swalwell, who is married and has three children, is perhaps best known nationally as a House manager in President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial during his first term in early 2021.
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Blood reported from Los Angeles.
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