Eric Swalwell Ends California Gubernatorial Campaign Following Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell of California has suspended his campaign for governor after facing intense pressure from colleagues and the public over multiple sexual misconduct allegations. The decision came just days after reports emerged detailing accusations from a former staffer and three other women.
Campaign Suspension Announcement
Swalwell announced his campaign suspension on social media platform X, stating, "I am suspending my campaign for Governor. To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past." He added that while he would fight what he called false allegations, this battle should not involve his political campaign.
The 45-year-old congressman had been the leading Democratic candidate to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, having secured approximately two dozen endorsements from prominent lawmakers, labor unions, and various organizations before the scandal unfolded.
Allegations and Investigations
The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN published reports within hours of each other on April 10 detailing serious accusations against Swalwell. A former staffer told the Chronicle that Swalwell sexually assaulted her twice between 2019 and 2024. At the time of the alleged incidents, Swalwell was 17 years older than the staffer and approximately two years into his current marriage.
Three additional women informed CNN they experienced various forms of sexual misconduct by the congressman between 2021 and 2025, including receiving unsolicited nude photographs and enduring unwanted physical advances while intoxicated.
At least three of the women received cease-and-desist letters from a lawyer representing Swalwell, threatening legal action if they did not retract what were described as false allegations.
Political Fallout and Legal Developments
Following the publication of these reports, numerous endorsements were quickly withdrawn. Senior campaign officials resigned their positions shortly after the allegations surfaced. Staff members from both Swalwell's congressional office and gubernatorial campaign released a statement condemning his behavior.
By April 11, the Manhattan district attorney's office had opened an investigation after the former staffer reported that Swalwell assaulted her in New York City. In addition to calls for him to abandon his gubernatorial bid, several lawmakers demanded Swalwell resign from Congress entirely.
Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna of Florida announced plans to file a motion to expel Swalwell from the House of Representatives. Swalwell, who represented California's 15th congressional district from 2013 to 2023 and currently represents the 14th district, has vehemently denied all allegations, suggesting they were part of a coordinated effort to damage his campaign.
