Rep. Eric Swalwell Suspends California Governor Bid Amid Sexual Assault Allegations
Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell announced the suspension of his campaign for California governor on Sunday, following serious sexual assault allegations that he has vehemently denied. In a social media post, Swalwell stated, "I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that's my fight, not a campaign's." This decision comes as a swift response to mounting political pressure from within his own party.
Allegations and Political Fallout
The allegations, first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and later by CNN on Friday, accuse Swalwell of sexually assaulting a woman on two separate occasions, including once when she was employed by him. In the wake of these reports, a growing number of Democrats have urged Swalwell not only to withdraw from the gubernatorial race but also to resign from his congressional seat. His statement made no mention of resigning from Congress, focusing solely on the campaign suspension.
Swalwell, who had emerged as a leading contender to replace outgoing Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, has denied the allegations but has seemingly referenced personal mistakes. "To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past," he wrote, following a video post on Friday where he apologized to his wife.
Calls for Resignation and Expulsion
Over the weekend, with Swalwell's campaign already faltering, fellow Democrats in Congress began calling for his resignation from the House of Representatives. Some lawmakers even indicated support for the rare step of expulsion if he refuses to step aside. Notable figures urging his resignation include:
- California Representatives Jared Huffman, Ro Khanna, and Sam Liccardo
- Representative Teresa Leger Fernández of New Mexico
- Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington state
Jayapal emphasized the non-partisan nature of the issue, stating, "This is not a partisan issue. This cuts across party lines. And it is depravity of the way that women have been treated."
The political pressure intensified as prominent supporters, including Senator Adam Schiff and major labor unions, withdrew their endorsements and called for Swalwell's exit from the race. Representative Jimmy Gomez, a Democrat from California who assisted with Swalwell's campaign, announced he was immediately ending his involvement.
Details of the Allegations
The San Francisco Chronicle reported that the allegations involve incidents in 2019 and 2024. According to the report:
- The woman was working for Swalwell when the first alleged assault occurred in 2019.
- The second alleged assault took place at a charity gala in 2024.
- In both instances, the woman claimed she was too intoxicated to consent to sex.
The woman did not report the assaults to police at the time, fearing she would not be believed. The Chronicle did not name her, and The Associated Press has not independently verified her account or identity. Her lawyer has declined to comment.
The alleged 2024 incident occurred in New York, prompting the Manhattan District Attorney's Office to announce an investigation on Saturday, urging anyone with information to contact its special victims division.
Congressional Response and Precedent
With the House of Representatives set to reconvene on Tuesday, the possibility of expulsion proceedings against Swalwell is gaining momentum. Representative Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican from Florida, stated she would file a motion to initiate the process. Expulsion votes are uncommon, requiring a two-thirds majority, but there is recent precedent, such as the 2023 expulsion of Republican George Santos of New York for misconduct.
Several lawmakers, including Huffman, Jayapal, and Leger Fernández, have expressed willingness to vote for Swalwell's expulsion. They also noted support for expelling Republican Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas, who admitted to an affair with a former staff member who later died by suicide. Republican Representative Byron Donalds of Florida, who is running for governor himself, said both Swalwell and Gonzales "need to go home" and that he would vote to expel them.
Khanna added, "So, it depends on if it's worded in a fair way. But this shouldn't be about politics. Anyone who abuses young girls and staffers should not be in the United States Congress."
Statements from Party Leaders
Democratic leaders have called for thorough investigations into the allegations. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a dominant figure in California politics, stated that the "serious allegations" must be investigated and suggested this be done "outside of a gubernatorial campaign." House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York and his leadership team also demanded an investigation and urged Swalwell to end his gubernatorial bid.
Swalwell has maintained his innocence, asserting in a social media video, "These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They're absolutely false. They did not happen, they have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have." He is not seeking reelection for his House seat.
The situation continues to unfold, with key figures like Jayapal and Donalds appearing on NBC's "Meet the Press" and Khanna on "Fox News Sunday" to discuss the matter. Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.
