Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., speaks through the Home Democrats listening to marking the 5 yr anniversary of the assault on the Capitol, within the Capitol Customer Heart on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026.
Tom Williams | CQ-Roll Name, Inc. | Getty Photographs
Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell has thus far denied requires him to exit the California governor’s race following allegations that he sexually assaulted a girl twice, together with when she labored for him. After distinguished supporters withdrew their backing, Swalwell mentioned in a video on social media that he would spend the weekend with household and associates and share an replace “very quickly.”
“These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They’re completely false. They didn’t occur, they’ve by no means occurred, and I’ll combat them with every part that I’ve,” the congressman mentioned Friday.
Swalwell was among the many main Democrats within the race to exchange outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom. However in simply hours, he noticed his most distinguished supporters — together with U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff and highly effective labor unions — drop their endorsements and name for his exit from the race.
Newsom, a possible 2028 presidential candidate who has averted participating within the contest to exchange him, mentioned in an announcement: “As we proceed to be taught extra, these allegations from a number of sources are deeply troubling and have to be taken significantly.”
Former Home Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who hasn’t endorsed within the race, mentioned the “severe allegations” have to be investigated and that she spoke to Swalwell and urged that be carried out “outdoors of a gubernatorial marketing campaign.”
The allegations surfaced at a essential stage of the wide-open marketing campaign to guide the nation’s most populous state. Voters will obtain mail ballots subsequent month prematurely of the June 2 election.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday {that a} lady mentioned Swalwell sexually assaulted her in 2019 and 2024. The newspaper reviewed textual content messages concerning the alleged 2024 assault and spoke to individuals whom she had instructed about it. She instructed the newspaper she didn’t go to police as a result of she was afraid she wouldn’t be believed.
The girl labored for Swalwell in 2019, when the primary alleged assault occurred, and the 2024 assault allegedly occurred after a charity gala, the newspaper reported. She mentioned in each instances she was too intoxicated to consent to intercourse.
The paper did not title the lady, and The Related Press has not been capable of independently confirm her account and id. Her lawyer declined to remark.
The alleged 2024 incident occurred in New York, and the Manhattan District Legal professional’s Workplace mentioned Saturday that it was investigating. The DA’s workplace urged anybody with information to contact its particular victims division.
Swift backlash from distinguished Democrats
Schiff mentioned in a social media put up he is “deeply distressed” by the allegations, calling for Swalwell to finish his gubernatorial bid.
Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who helped run Swalwell’s marketing campaign, mentioned he is instantly ending his position.
“The congressman ought to depart the race now so there could be full accountability doubtless, distraction, or delay,” Gomez mentioned on social media.
The highly effective California Service Staff Worldwide Union mentioned Saturday it was formally rescinding its endorsement and urged Swalwell to withdraw from the race instantly. The California Academics Affiliation mentioned it was suspending its help. And the California Federation of Labor Unions mentioned it was “appearing urgently” on subsequent steps.
A spokesperson for Home Democratic chief Hakeem Jeffries mentioned the allegations require a “severe and thorough investigation.”
Rising requires Swalwell to drop out
Swalwell is amongst a handful of distinguished candidates within the crowded race to succeed Newsom, and he instantly got here beneath stress from all different Democratic rivals to withdraw from the race. The social gathering has been mired in a messy main season with some leaders fearing the crowded discipline might value them spot within the November common election. The state’s top-two main system sends the 2 highest vote-getters on to the final election no matter social gathering.
Swalwell on Tuesday kicked off a deliberate sequence of marketing campaign occasions in Sacramento, the place he instructed reporters he is by no means had a sexual relationship with a employees member or intern. He canceled the following scheduled occasion in Palm Springs on Thursday.
Uncorroborated and nonspecific rumors that Swalwell behaved inappropriately with feminine staffers have circulated on social media for weeks, however the Chronicle’s story is the primary reported account of somebody making a direct accusation. CNN additionally revealed a narrative that appeared to function the identical lady’s allegations, although she was not named, in addition to allegations from a number of girls that Swalwell despatched them inappropriate sexual messages.
He is urged the allegations had been a part of an assault on account of his marketing campaign’s momentum.
Swalwell was elected in 2012 and represents a Home district east of San Francisco. He launched a presidential run in April 2019 however shuttered it a couple of months later after failing to catch on with voters. Swalwell, who’s married and has three youngsters, is probably finest identified nationally as a Home supervisor in President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial throughout his first time period in early 2021.
