Allies yank support for Swalwell’s California governor run after sexual assault allegations

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a stunning political reversal, prominent supporters of Rep. Eric Swalwell’s campaign for California governor withdrew their support Friday after the congressman denied allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman twice, including while she worked for him.

Swalwell did not immediately return those calls, saying on social media that he would be spending the weekend with family and friends and sharing an update “very soon.”

“These allegations of sexual assault are completely false. They are absolutely false. They never happened, they never happened, and I will fight them with everything I have,” he said.

Swalwell was among the leading Democrats in the race to replace outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom. But in just a few hours, he saw his most prominent supporters — including U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff and powerful unions — abandon their support and call for his withdrawal from the race.

Newsom, a likely 2028 presidential candidate who has avoided entering the race to replace him, said in a statement: “As we continue to learn more, these allegations from multiple sources are deeply troubling and must be taken seriously. »

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who did not support the race, said the “serious allegations” needed to be investigated and that she had spoken to Swalwell and suggested it be done “outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”

The allegations surfaced at a critical time in the campaign to lead the nation’s most populous state. Voters will receive mail-in ballots next month ahead of the June 2 election.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday that a woman said Swalwell sexually assaulted her in 2019 and 2024. The newspaper reviewed text messages about the alleged 2024 assault and spoke to people she told about it. She told the newspaper that she did not go to the police because she was afraid people would not believe her.

The woman worked for Swalwell in 2019, when the first alleged assault took place, and the 2024 assault allegedly took place after a charity gala, the newspaper reported. She said that in both cases she was too drunk to consent to sex.

The newspaper did not name the woman, and The Associated Press was unable to independently verify her account and identity. His lawyer declined to comment.

Schiff said in a social media post that he was “deeply distressed” by the allegations, calling on Swalwell to end his gubernatorial bid.

Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who helped run Swalwell’s campaign, said he was ending his role immediately.

“The congressman should leave the race now so there can be full accountability without doubt, distraction or delay,” Gomez said on social media.

Powerful unions, including the California Service Employees International Union and the California Teachers Association, announced they were suspending their support. The California Federation of Labor Unions said it was “acting with urgency” on next steps.

A spokesperson for House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the allegations required a “serious and thorough investigation.”

Swalwell is one of a handful of prominent candidates in the very tight race to succeed Newsom, and he immediately faced pressure from every other Democratic rival to withdraw from the race. The party is mired in a complicated primary season, with some leaders fearing the mob could cost them their spot in the November general election. The state’s top-two primary system sends the top two vote-getters to the general election, regardless of party.

Swalwell kicked off a series of planned campaign events in Sacramento on Tuesday, where he told reporters he never had a sexual relationship with a staffer or intern. He canceled the next event planned in Palm Springs on Thursday.

Uncorroborated and unspecific rumors that Swalwell behaved inappropriately with female employees have been circulating on social media for weeks, but the Chronicle’s story is the first reported account of someone making a direct accusation. CNN also reported that several women accused Swalwell of sending them inappropriate sexual messages.

He suggested the allegations were part of an attack because of the dynamics of his campaign.

Swalwell was elected in 2012 and represents a House district east of San Francisco. He launched a presidential campaign in April 2019, but called it quits a few months later after failing to convince voters. Swalwell, married with three children, is perhaps best known nationally as House manager during President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial during his first term in early 2021.

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Blood was reported in Los Angeles.