LOS ANGELES (AP) - Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell's sudden withdrawal from the California gubernatorial race has intensified the competition among his rivals, leaving them racing to secure his previously loyal supporters. This shake-up comes as the primary election approaches, with mail ballots scheduled to be sent to voters in early May, ahead of the June 2 primary date.
Swalwell announced the suspension of his campaign on Sunday following serious allegations of sexual assault made against him. Reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and later CNN indicated that he had allegedly assaulted a woman on two occasions, including when she was an employee. Swalwell responded defiantly on the social media platform X, stating, “I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.”
His departure from the race has raised critical questions about where his supporters will turn next. Swalwell was seen as a significant contender among the pack of seven established Democrats vying for the gubernatorial position, alongside names like Katie Porter and billionaire activist Tom Steyer. Porter took to X to draw attention to her candidacy, while Steyer claimed he secured support from Rep. Jared Huffman, indicating a quick shift in alliances.
The California gubernatorial race remains unpredictable, especially with Swalwell's name still appearing on the ballot despite his campaign suspension. Democratic consultant Andrew Acosta remarked, “Nobody has really caught fire,” suggesting that Swalwell's supporters are likely to scatter among the other candidates, as no single promising candidate has emerged so far. Many California voters remain detached from the details of the governor's race, with Swalwell being more recognizable nationally, particularly for his role in President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial.
As the allegations against Swalwell came to light, they further complicated a contest that Democrats feared could lead to their party being sidelined in the general election. Under California's top-two primary system, the two candidates with the most votes, regardless of party, advance to the general election. Swalwell was making headway in securing institutional support before these serious accusations derailed his campaign.
The allegations detailed in media reports involved a woman who claimed to have been assaulted by Swalwell in 2019 and again in 2024. According to the woman, both incidents occurred while she was inebriated and unable to give consent. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is reportedly investigating the 2024 incident, urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
Amid increasing pressure, fellow California lawmakers, including Reps. Jared Huffman, Ro Khanna, and Sam Liccardo, have publicly called for Swalwell to resign. Other prominent figures such as Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández and Pramila Jayapal echoed this sentiment, highlighting the issue as one transcending party boundaries. The potential for expulsion from the House of Representatives is also being discussed among members, particularly as the House prepares to return to session.
Swalwell's political future now appears uncertain, and with a growing number of lawmakers willing to support his expulsion, the situation could escalate quickly. While Swalwell has denied the allegations, he has acknowledged past mistakes in judgment, suggesting personal issues might have affected his campaign.
Originally elected in 2012, Swalwell had a brief attempt at a presidential run in 2019 before withdrawing. His sudden exit from the gubernatorial race marks a significant turn in California politics, with potential ramifications for the Democratic Party as it navigates this growing scandal.
