Eric Swalwell’s bid for California governor is in serious trouble. A sexual assault allegation from a former staffer has triggered a wave of resignations, suspended endorsements, and growing calls for the Democratic congressman to exit the race entirely.
The San Francisco Chronicle published a report Friday detailing claims from a former staffer who said Swalwell had sexual encounters with her while she worked for him, and that he allegedly sexually assaulted her on two separate occasions when she was too intoxicated to give consent.
The story landed like a grenade on a campaign that was already navigating a crowded and competitive field, with ballots set to reach California voters’ mailboxes in just a matter of weeks.
Staffers Head for the Exit
The departures began before the Chronicle’s story even went up. Senior campaign staffers walked out in the hours leading up to publication, a sign that word had spread quickly within Swalwell’s inner circle.
The most stinging blow came from Rep. Jimmy Gomez, a key ally who had helped Swalwell build relationships with power brokers in Sacramento, where Gomez previously served in the state Assembly. Gomez announced he was stepping down from the campaign immediately.
“Today I learned shocking information about Eric Swalwell containing the ugliest and most serious accusations imaginable,” Gomez said, as per a report from Politico. “My involvement in any campaign begins and ends with trust. I cannot in good conscience remain in any role with this campaign, and I am stepping down from it effective immediately,” he added.
Endorsements Crumble
The fallout was not limited to individuals. Two of Swalwell’s most prominent institutional backers moved swiftly to distance themselves.
The California Teachers Association, which had thrown its support behind Swalwell, suspended its endorsement outright. “The allegations are incredibly disturbing and unacceptable against Rep. Swalwell. We are immediately suspending our support,” said CTA President David Goldberg.
The California Medical Association, which had funneled more than $1 million into a pro-Swalwell committee, announced it was calling an emergency board meeting to weigh its next steps.
The Party Sends a Signal
California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks stopped just short of telling Swalwell to drop out, but his statement left little room for interpretation. Hicks called the allegations “deeply disturbing” and reiterated a previous call he had made for non-viable Democratic candidates to take a hard look at whether their campaigns could realistically succeed.
“My call for all, repeat, all, candidates for Governor to ‘honestly assess (if) the viability of their candidacy and campaign’ still stands,” Hicks said. “In fact, that call is more important now than ever before,” he added.
Veteran Democratic Congresswoman and former speaker Nancy Pelosi said she has asked Swalwell to drop out of the race. “The young woman who has made serious allegations against Congressman Swalwell must be respected and heard. This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability. As I discussed with Congressman Swalwell, it is clear that is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign,” she said.
Swalwell Pushes Back
Swalwell denied the allegations and framed them as a politically motivated attack timed to damage a frontrunner.
“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,” his statement read. “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 added that his immediate focus would be his family.
His attorney, Elias Dabaie, confirmed to Politico that a cease-and-desist letter had been sent to at least one person making accusations against the congressman. Dabaie questioned the timing of the claims and suggested the allegations may be part of a coordinated effort to derail Swalwell’s campaign. “We believe those allegations are baseless and continue to seek the truth,” he said.
What Comes Next
With staffers gone, endorsements suspended, and allies publicly distancing themselves, Swalwell faces an increasingly narrow path forward. Whether he chooses to stay in the race, or bows to the mounting pressure to step aside, is a decision that may come sooner rather than later.
