Eric Swalwell Withdraws from California Governor Race
US Congressman Eric Swalwell has suspended his campaign for California governor following increasing pressure related to sexual misconduct allegations.
The Democratic candidate has been accused by four women of misconduct ranging from sexual harassment to rape. Swalwell has denied these allegations and pledged to defend himself with "facts."
Several of his top allies had urged him to withdraw from the gubernatorial contest, in which he was considered one of the leading Democratic contenders.
His withdrawal occurs at a critical juncture in the competitive primary race, just weeks before voters begin receiving mail ballots ahead of the June 2 election to select a successor to outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom and to lead the most populous state in the US.
In a post on X, Swalwell stated:
"I am suspending my campaign for Governor.
To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past.
I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made - but that's my fight, not a campaign's."
Details of Allegations
Swalwell's decision to suspend his campaign came two days after the initial allegations were reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.
A former staff member told the newspaper that Swalwell began making inappropriate comments shortly after she was hired to work in his district office in Castro Valley. These included soliciting her for sex and sending sexual messages.
The woman, who has not been named, also alleged that in September 2019 she woke up naked in Swalwell's hotel room with limited recollection of the previous night.
Five years later, after she was no longer on his staff, she met Swalwell for drinks at a gala. She said she had difficulty recalling details but remembered pushing him away and telling him "no." She added that she woke up with signs of sexual trauma on her body.
The woman's account was reportedly supported by text messages she sent to friends at the time and by her former boyfriend, who told the newspaper he had encouraged her to report the incident to police.
Later on the same day, CNN published accusations from four women who had worked for Swalwell, also alleging sexual misconduct.
Political Fallout and Responses
Within hours of the allegations becoming public, Swalwell lost support from prominent figures including Senator Adam Schiff and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
According to CNN, Swalwell's legal team had sent cease-and-desist letters to two of the accusers the day before the allegations were published.
In a statement on Friday, Swalwell strongly denied the accusations:
"For nearly 20 years, I have served the public - as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women. I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action," he said.
"My focus in the coming days is to be with my wife and children and defend our decades of service against these lies."
Context of the Governor's Race
The non-partisan primary is expected to feature at least 10 candidates.
Republicans generally face challenges winning statewide races in California, a heavily Democratic state. However, the large number of Democratic candidates has divided the liberal vote, resulting in two Republicans appearing near the top in early primary polls.
The top two vote-getters in the primary will advance to the November 3 general election, regardless of party affiliation or whether a candidate receives a majority of votes in the primary.
