Ask Onix
Swalwell withdraws from gubernatorial race
U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell has suspended his campaign for California governor following allegations of sexual misconduct from four women. The Democrat, once considered a frontrunner, announced his decision on Tuesday as pressure mounted from party leaders and supporters.
Allegations surface in media reports
The San Francisco Chronicle first published accusations from a former congressional staffer on Friday. The woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, stated that Swalwell made inappropriate comments and sent sexual messages shortly after she joined his district office in Castro Valley. She also alleged that in September 2019, she awoke in his hotel room with no memory of the previous night.
During a later encounter at a 2024 gala, she told the newspaper she recalled pushing him away and saying "no," though her memory of the evening remained fragmented. She reported physical signs of trauma afterward. Text messages to friends and statements from her former boyfriend reportedly supported her account.
Additional accusers come forward
CNN later published accounts from three more women who worked for Swalwell, all alleging sexual misconduct. The congressman's legal team had issued cease-and-desist letters to two accusers the day before the reports emerged, according to the network.
Political fallout begins immediately
Within hours of the allegations becoming public, Swalwell lost endorsements from key Democratic figures, including Senator Adam Schiff and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. His withdrawal reshapes the crowded primary field ahead of the 2 June election, which will determine the top two candidates for the 3 November general election.
Swalwell denies wrongdoing
In a statement posted on X, Swalwell called the allegations "serious" and "false," vowing to defend himself with evidence. "For nearly 20 years, I have served the public-as a prosecutor and a congressman-and have always protected women," he said. "My focus now is to be with my wife and children and defend our decades of service against these lies."
Race dynamics shift ahead of primary
The primary features at least 10 candidates, including both Democrats and Republicans. While Republicans rarely win statewide in California's heavily Democratic electorate, a fractured Democratic field has left two GOP contenders near the top of early polls. Under state rules, the two highest vote-getters advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.
Ballots to be mailed in coming weeks
Voters will begin receiving postal ballots in late May, marking a critical phase in the race to succeed outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom and lead the nation's most populous state.
