Eric Swalwell has suspended his California governor campaign after explosive sexual assault allegations from a former staffer triggered a political collapse. The claims, reported by major outlets, led to swift backlash, withdrawal of endorsements, and growing legal scrutiny, while Swalwell denies the allegations and vows to fight them. The sudden exit dramatically reshapes the 2026 governor’s race just months before the primary.
Rep. Eric Swalwell Suspends California Governor Campaign Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations
— U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell announced Sunday evening that he is suspending his campaign for California governor following serious allegations of sexual misconduct and sexual assault made by a former staffer.
The announcement comes days after reporting by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN detailing accusations from a former female staffer who alleged that Swalwell raped her on two separate occasions, in 2019 and 2024, while she was allegedly too intoxicated to consent. The claims have not been proven in court and are under investigation. No charges have been filed.
In a statement posted to X, Swalwell said, “I am suspending my campaign for Governor.” He added, “To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past.”
Despite stepping away from the race, Swalwell has strongly denied the allegations. According to reporting from the San Francisco Chronicle, he described them as “serious, false allegations” and vowed to “fight them with everything I have.”
Rapid Political Fallout
Swalwell, a Democrat representing California’s 14th Congressional District, had been considered a leading contender in the 2026 California governor’s race. His campaign suspension has abruptly reshaped the field ahead of the state’s June 2 top-two primary.
Prominent California political figures quickly distanced themselves from the campaign following the reports. U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla reportedly withdrew their support and called for Swalwell to exit the race.
Several major labor organizations also rescinded endorsements, including SEIU California and the California Federation of Labor. A joint statement from senior campaign and congressional staff described them as “horrified” by the allegations.
Legal and Political Uncertainty
Swalwell’s legal team has dispatched cease-and-desist letters to those implicated in the accusations, characterizing the allegations as a “coordinated effort to undermine his candidacy.”
One of the allegations reported involves an alleged 2024 incident in a New York City hotel room following a charity gala. Prosecutors are currently reviewing the allegations, and no criminal charges have been filed.
As of Sunday night, Swalwell did not address whether he intends to resign from Congress.
The 2026 California governor’s race, set to feature a June 2 top-two primary, now faces significant uncertainty as candidates and political coalitions reassess the rapidly shifting landscape.
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