Eric Swalwell Suspends California Governor Campaign Amid Assault Allegations

Mon Apr 13 2026 07:44:21 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell halts his campaign for California governor after facing serious sexual assault allegations, which he vehemently denies. This decision shakes up the gubernatorial race with less than a month before the primary.

Rep. Eric Swalwell temporarily halts his bid for California governor amidst allegations of sexual assault, igniting a swift backlash from Democratic colleagues. As the primary approaches, Swalwell's exit reshapes the competitive race, leaving other rivals to compete for his supporters. Despite his denials, allegations have led to calls for his resignation from Congress, raising questions about the dynamics of power and accountability in politics.

Eric Swalwell, a Democratic Congressman, has suspended his campaign for the California governorship after facing severe sexual assault allegations which he denies. In a statement on social media, Swalwell asserted, I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.

The accusations, highlighted in reports by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN, indicate that Swalwell sexually assaulted a woman twice, including during her employment under him, resulting in immediate backlash and calls from fellow Democrats for him to withdraw from the race. This tumult comes just weeks ahead of the primary elections.

Support for Swalwell rapidly diminished among his party allies, with some calling for his resignation from Congress altogether. This exit will leave his competitors adjusting their strategies to capture his former supporters amidst a highly dynamic gubernatorial contest in California.

As Swalwell navigates personal and professional challenges, his departure shakes up a race that could see prominent Democratic figures like Billionaire Tom Steyer and former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter vie for the top spot in light of the allegations against Swalwell, who has faced scrutiny over past misconduct rumors.