Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell has announced his departure from Congress and the race for the California governor's office amidst serious sexual assault allegations, which he vehemently denies. This announcement follows a swift withdrawal of support from his backers after the allegations surfaced.
At 45 years old, Swalwell was considered a prominent contender in the crowded race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, who is ineligible to run for a third term in America's most populous state. His campaign rapidly fell apart in just two days after the San Francisco Chronicle reported claims from a woman alleging that he sexually assaulted her twice: once in 2019, while she was employed by him, and again in 2024. Subsequent reports from CNN indicated that other women also accused him of various forms of sexual misconduct, including sending explicit messages and nude photos.
Swalwell officially suspended his gubernatorial campaign on a Sunday, stating in a social media post, “I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.” His decision to withdraw has left his former supporters available for other Democratic candidates to court as the primary election approaches firmly on June 2.
Notable figures in the running include former U.S. Representative Katie Porter and billionaire financier Tom Steyer—both of whom are attempting to seize Swalwell's former base of support. Given California's primary election system, which allows only the top two candidates to proceed to the general election regardless of party affiliation, this development creates opportunities for both Democratic and Republican candidates, including Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and ex-Fox News host Steve Hilton, who enjoys the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.
As Swalwell prepares to exit Congress, he stated his intention to do so on his own terms, especially as bipartisan pressure for his expulsion mounts. The allegations against him have prompted an investigation from the House Ethics Committee concerning his conduct toward an employee he supervised. The future of this investigation may be affected by Swalwell’s resignation, as it is common for such probes to conclude when a lawmaker steps down from their position.
The accusations against Swalwell highlight serious allegations of sexual misconduct including assault, while his exit from the political stage may redefine the dynamics within the California gubernatorial primary. With seven established Democrats still in contention for the primary, Party insiders express concerns that the vote could splinter, potentially allowing a Republican candidate to claim prominence in what is typically a solidly Democratic state.
As Swalwell plans his departure, it’s essential to note that he is required to vacate his position within a timeframe that would prompt the California Governor to call for a special election within 14 days of his resignation. Eric Swalwell, who first entered Congress in 2012, previously ran for the presidency in 2019 but withdrew early from the race. His political career has been marked by significant moments, including serving as a House manager during Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial and playing a role in the investigation of Trump associates' ties to Russian officials.
