Eric Swalwell Suspends Bid for California Governor

SACRAMENTO — Congressman Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor on Sunday evening. The move came days after reports detailed claims of sexual assault and misconduct against the congressman. Swalwell had led early polls in the crowded Democratic primary field for the open seat.

Swalwell posted the decision on social media. “I am suspending my campaign for Governor,” he wrote. “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.”

A former staffer who worked in Swalwell’s Castro Valley district office from 2019 to 2021 told the San Francisco Chronicle that the congressman sexually assaulted her on two occasions when she was too intoxicated to consent. One incident occurred in September 2019 after drinks at a Pleasanton restaurant, and another took place in April 2024 following a New York charity gala. The Chronicle reviewed text messages the woman sent a friend three days after the 2024 event, in which she described waking up during the encounter and telling Swalwell to stop. The newspaper also spoke with her boyfriend at the time and examined medical records showing she sought pregnancy and STD testing afterward.

CNN reported on the same former staffer’s account and quoted three additional women who described unwanted sexual advances, lewd text messages, and unsolicited explicit photos from Swalwell. The congressman has denied all allegations. In a statement to the Chronicle, Swalwell called the claims “false” and said they amounted to “election eve” attacks. He added that he would defend himself with facts and consider legal action.

Prominent Democrats quickly withdrew endorsements and called for Swalwell to leave the race and resign from Congress. More than fifty former staffers signed a public letter supporting the accuser and urging accountability. Fellow lawmakers, including Representatives Jimmy Gomez and Ro Khanna, echoed the demand for resignation. California Democratic Party chair Rusty Hicks stated that Swalwell had confirmed he was “unqualified and unfit” for the office.

The withdrawal has reshaped the race for the Governor’s office. Betting markets now list billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer as the clear favorite to secure the Democratic nomination. Prediction platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi show Steyer with over 50% odds in the wake of the shake-up. Other leading candidates include former Representative Katie Porter and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. Early voting for the top-two primary race begins May 4.