Eric Swalwell Suspends California Governor Campaign Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA) suspended his campaign for governor of California on April 12, 2026, following a series of sexual misconduct and assault allegations. The decision comes after significant pressure from within the Democratic Party and the emergence of reports detailing inappropriate behavior toward staff and other women.

Swalwell, 45, had been positioned as a frontrunner in the primary race to replace outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom. His exit occurs just weeks before voters are scheduled to receive postal ballots for the June 2 election.

Details of the Allegations

The controversy began on April 11, 2026, when the San Francisco Chronicle published an account from an unnamed former staffer. The woman alleged that Swalwell began pursuing her for an affair shortly after she was hired as a 21-year-old intern in his district office in Castro Valley, which included sending lewd photos via Snapchat.

The former staffer claimed that in September 2019, she woke up naked in Swalwell’s hotel bed after drinking with him, stating she felt the effect of vaginal intercourse. She further alleged that five years later, while attending a gala in New York and no longer employed by him, Swalwell pursued her while she was inebriated and forced himself on her.

Following the initial report, at least three other women detailed allegations of misconduct. According to reports from CNN and the BBC, these accusations range from sexual harassment and unsolicited sexual advances to rape.

Response from Eric Swalwell

Swalwell has denied the allegations of nonconsensual behavior, describing them as flat false and suggesting they were politically motivated due to his standing in the gubernatorial race.

In a post on X on the night of April 12, Swalwell announced the suspension of his campaign and addressed his supporters and family.

I am suspending my campaign for Governor. 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.

Eric Swalwell via X

While fighting the assault claims, Swalwell has acknowledged making unspecified mistakes in judgment that he stated are a private matter between himself and his wife.

Political Fallout and Party Reaction

The allegations triggered a rapid withdrawal of support from Democratic leadership and allies. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called on Swalwell to drop out of the race. Major labor groups that had backed his candidacy also withdrew their support.

Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), a close friend who had previously chaired Swalwell’s 2020 presidential campaign, withdrew his endorsement. The internal party pressure extended beyond the governor’s race, with some Democrats calling for Swalwell to resign from Congress.

Impact on the California Governor’s Race

Swalwell’s departure leaves a wide-open primary field. Among the remaining Democratic candidates are:

• Tom Steyer, a Democratic megadonor and former presidential candidate who has narrowly outpolled other rivals.
• Former Rep. Katie Porter.
• Former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra.
• San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.
• Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

The June 2 election utilizes a jungle primary system where the top two candidates, regardless of party, advance to the general election. While some Democrats expressed concern that Republicans could take both slots, analysts suggest Swalwell’s exit may allow Democratic voters to consolidate. On the Republican side, former Fox News host Steve Hilton has received an endorsement from Donald Trump.

Congressional Standing

Swalwell now faces potential disciplinary action in the House of Representatives. Republicans have threatened to call a vote for his expulsion. This development has sparked a broader conversation regarding ethics in the House, as Democrats may respond by calling for expulsion votes against Republicans Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) and Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL) over their own scandals.

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) faces corruption charges. While expulsion requires a two-thirds majority and is often difficult to achieve, reports indicate some bipartisan consensus among members to vote for the expulsion of multiple representatives.