Swalwell Defiant Amid Growing Calls to Exit California Governor’s Race
SACRAMENTO – Embattled Representative Eric Swalwell remains dug in this weekend, forcefully denying sexual assault allegations as a growing wave of Democratic heavyweights and top donors demand he withdraw from the 2026 race for California governor.
Despite the mounting pressure, Swalwell released a video statement late Friday vowing to fight the claims with "everything I have," describing the allegations as "flat false" and "absolutely false."
A Campaign in Crisis
The turmoil began following a report by the San Francisco Chronicle detailing allegations from a former staffer who claims Swalwell sexually assaulted her on two separate occasions, in 2019 and 2024.
The fallout was immediate and severe:
Leadership Defections: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued a joint statement calling for an immediate end to his campaign.
Key Resignations: Swalwell’s campaign chair, Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles), resigned Friday, calling the accusations "the ugliest and most serious imaginable."
At least four other senior staffers have also reportedly quit. Endorsements Rescinded: Major labor powerhouses, including the California Teachers Association (CTA) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California, have suspended or rescinded their support.
High-Profile Calls to Quit: U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, along with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have all signaled that Swalwell should step aside to allow for a transparent investigation.
Political Impact
The scandal comes at a critical juncture in the primary. With mail-in ballots set to reach voters next month for the June 2 election, Swalwell had been positioned as a frontrunner in a crowded field of candidates vying to succeed Gavin Newsom.
His rivals—including Tom Steyer, Katie Porter, and Tony Thurmond—have largely called for his immediate withdrawal, with former Controller Betty Yee describing the reports as "sickening."
Swalwell’s Defense
In his defense, Swalwell has suggested the allegations are "politically motivated" and timed specifically to derail his momentum.
"These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor," Swalwell stated. "For nearly 20 years, I have served the public... and have always protected women."
While he remains in the race for now, the loss of his campaign infrastructure and the public condemnation from his own party leadership have left his path to the governor’s mansion increasingly narrow. Swalwell says he plans to spend the weekend with family before providing a further update "very soon."
