Eric Swalwell Faces Calls to Exit Governor’s Race Amid Allegations
Eric Swalwell sexual assault allegations governor race
Representative Eric Swalwell is facing a wave of calls to withdraw from the California gubernatorial race following serious allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. The controversy intensified on Friday, April 10, 2026, after reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN detailed accusations from multiple women. One former staffer alleged that the congressman assaulted her on two separate occasions when she was too intoxicated to provide consent.
These incidents reportedly took place in 2019 and as recently as 2024. The woman claimed that Swalwell began pursuing her shortly after she joined his district office. She alleged that he sent inappropriate images via Snapchat and requested sexual favors in a parking lot. According to reporting from CBS News, House Democratic leadership has joined a growing chorus of officials urging Swalwell to end his campaign immediately.
Swalwell has vehemently denied all accusations and characterized them as false and politically motivated. In a video statement released late Friday night, he asserted that the claims are timed to damage his standing as the frontrunner in the primary election. He emphasized his nearly twenty-year career as a prosecutor and lawmaker as evidence of his character.
Despite his denials, the political fallout has been swift and widespread within the Democratic establishment. His campaign chair, Representative Jimmy Gomez, resigned from his position and stated that the congressman should leave the race to allow for full accountability. According to updates from the Washington Post, several high-profile allies including Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla have also withdrawn their endorsements. The campaign has seen a significant exodus of top advisors and staff members over the last twenty-four hours.
The pressure on Swalwell is coming from both his colleagues in Washington and his rivals in California. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries have both issued statements calling for a swift investigation and his withdrawal from the race. Many of his opponents for the governorship have also demanded that he exit the contest.
Billionaire Tom Steyer and former Representative Katie Porter were among the first to call the allegations deeply troubling and incompatible with public office. State officials such as Superintendent Tony Thurmond and former Controller Betty Yee have described the reported behavior as reprehensible. As detailed by CalMatters, several powerful labor unions are currently reviewing their support for his candidacy. The primary election is scheduled for June 2, leaving the Democratic field in a state of sudden and major upheaval.
National Democratic organizations have started to distance themselves from the congressman as the investigation into the claims begins. His campaign has reportedly been cut off from the primary Democratic fundraising platform following the news. This financial blow significantly hampers his ability to communicate with voters in the final weeks before the election. Other women have also come forward to CNN with allegations of inappropriate touching and unsolicited sexual messages.
These reports have created a consensus among party leaders that his continued presence in the race is a distraction. They argue that the focus must remain on the party’s platform rather than personal scandals. Swalwell maintains that he will fight the allegations with every resource available to him. He has threatened legal action against those who have brought the claims forward. The situation remains fluid as more details regarding the accusations continue to emerge from various media outlets.
