Rep. Eric Swalwell Suspends California Governor Campaign Amid Sexual Assault Allegations from Multiple Women
Why It Matters
California’s 2026 gubernatorial race was already shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years. The suspension of U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell’s campaign — following serious sexual assault and misconduct allegations — adds significant uncertainty to the Democratic field ahead of the June 2 primary.
The development has forced senior Democratic leaders to publicly distance themselves from one of their own, raising broader questions about accountability within the party and the conduct of elected officials who hold positions of public trust.
What Happened
Swalwell, a Democratic congressman representing a House district in the San Francisco Bay Area, announced on Sunday, April 12, that he is suspending his campaign for governor of California. The announcement came just days after allegations of sexual assault and misconduct were reported by The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN on Friday, April 11.
“I am suspending my campaign for Governor,” Swalwell wrote on X. “To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.”
Swalwell, 45, has denied the allegations, calling them “flat false” in a video posted Friday night. He is married with three children. He had already announced he would not seek re-election to Congress in order to pursue the governorship.
The Allegations
According to reports in The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN — which NPR noted were not independently confirmed — at least four women, most of them anonymous, gave accounts of alleged misconduct. The allegations include accusations of assault after the women had been drinking and the sending of inappropriate photos. Several of the women reportedly worked for Swalwell, and the alleged conduct reportedly spans from 2019 through last year.
In his initial Friday response, Swalwell acknowledged making “mistakes in judgment” but characterized them as personal matters between himself and his wife, for which he apologized. He maintained that the more serious allegations are false and pledged to fight them.
For related coverage on how California’s legal and political institutions handle allegations of misconduct and abuse, see our report on California lawmakers advancing legislation to tighten parole rules for elderly sex offenders who victimized children.
By the Numbers
- 4 — Number of women who have alleged misconduct or assault against Swalwell, according to media reports
- 2019 to 2025 — The timeframe during which the alleged incidents reportedly occurred
- June 2, 2026 — Date of California’s top-two primary election for governor
- 45 — Swalwell’s current age
- 10+ — Years Swalwell has served in his Bay Area congressional district
Democratic Leadership Responds
The fallout within Swalwell’s own party was swift and significant. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and current House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries were among the prominent voices calling for him to exit the race.
Sen. Adam Schiff, a long-time Swalwell ally, announced he was withdrawing his endorsement. “I have read the San Francisco Chronicle’s account and I am deeply distressed by its allegations,” Schiff wrote on X. “I am withdrawing my endorsement immediately, and believe that he should withdraw from the race.”
Democratic gubernatorial opponent and former Rep. Katie Porter called on Swalwell to also resign immediately from Congress, alleging he had “attempted to silence and retaliate against these victims.” Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna announced Saturday she plans to file a motion to expel Swalwell from Congress, and by Sunday, some Democrats indicated they would support expulsion as well.
Zoom Out
Swalwell had briefly run for president in 2019 and established himself as a frequent media presence and outspoken opponent of President Donald Trump’s policies. His suspension leaves a crowded Democratic field still competing in a top-two primary system — a format that already had party leaders concerned that vote-splitting could allow two Republican candidates to advance to the November general election, shutting Democrats out entirely.
The case adds to a broader national pattern of elected officials facing public accountability over personal conduct allegations, particularly those involving staff or individuals in subordinate positions. For additional context on how California officials have recently navigated politically sensitive legal situations, see our report on a California man charged under anti-truancy law for his role in a student ICE protest walkout.
What’s Next
Swalwell has pledged to fight the allegations outside of the campaign context, though no legal proceedings have been publicly announced. His congressional term is set to expire in January, though calls for his early expulsion or resignation are growing from both parties.
Political analysts will be watching closely to see whether Swalwell’s exit helps consolidate Democratic primary voters around a single frontrunner before the June 2 primary deadline — or whether the controversy further scrambles an already unpredictable race.