Calls grow for Swalwell to quit California governor race after sexual assault allegations

Eric Swalwell is facing mounting calls to withdraw from the race to succeed Gavin Newsom as governor of California, following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct from former staff members—claims he has firmly denied.

In a statement, Swalwell described the accusations as false and politically timed, saying they surfaced “on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor.” The allegations range from sexual harassment to rape, significantly intensifying scrutiny on his campaign.

The controversy quickly led to a wave of political fallout. Within hours, prominent Democrats—including Adam Schiff and Hakeem Jeffries—withdrew their support, increasing pressure on Swalwell to step aside.

The first public allegation was reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. A former staff member claimed that shortly after joining Swalwell’s district office in Castro Valley, he made inappropriate comments, including requests for sex and explicit messages.

The accuser, who has not been identified, also alleged that in September 2019 she woke up naked in Swalwell’s hotel room with limited memory of the previous night. She further claimed that during a later encounter at a gala several years afterward, she again felt uncomfortable, recalling that she pushed him away and said “no.”

Swalwell has stated he intends to defend himself with “facts” as the situation develops. The allegations and their political repercussions have introduced significant uncertainty into an already closely watched gubernatorial race.