Democratic leaders are urging Representative Eric Swalwell to exit California’s governor’s race after sexual assault allegations surfaced, prompting swift backlash and withdrawn endorsements.
“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,” Swalwell said in a statement.
Why It Matters
The allegations landed as the California governor’s race was intensifying, triggering immediate political fallout.
Key Democratic figures quickly moved to distance themselves, reshaping the race overnight.
What To Know
Swalwell, a Democratic congressman and candidate for California governor, is facing mounting pressure from within his own party after allegations of sexual assault and misconduct raised by multiple women were made public.
Two news organizations published claims from a former staffer who says she was sexually assaulted while working for him.
The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN reported on that allegation, while CNN also detailed claims from three other women who said Swalwell engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior, including sending unsolicited explicit messages or nude photos.
Swalwell, who has been leading Democratic polling in the governor’s race, has denied all allegations.
The accusations prompted calls for a formal investigation and led several prominent Democrats to withdraw endorsements or publicly urge him to end his campaign.
The response marked a sharp shift in tone from party leaders and allies, many of whom had previously supported or remained neutral in the contest.
Within hours of the allegations becoming public, senior Democrats emphasized the need for accountability and stressed that the claims must be examined outside the context of an active gubernatorial campaign.
Swalwell has forcefully denied the allegations, calling them untrue and politically motivated.
He has said he plans to defend himself and, if necessary, pursue legal action, while prioritizing his family as the situation unfolds.
The controversy has widened the political divide, drawing comment not only from Democrats but also from Republicans seeking to frame the moment as emblematic of broader political failings within California’s Democratic leadership.
Democrats Urging Swalwell To Exit California Governor Race
A growing list of prominent Democrats has publicly urged Swalwell to withdraw from California’s governor’s race following allegations of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct. They include:
Hakeem Jeffries – House Minority Leader
Katherine Clark – House Minority Whip
Pete Aguilar – House Democratic Caucus Chair
Nancy Pelosi – Former House Speaker
Adam Schiff – U.S. Senator from California
Jimmy Gomez – Democratic congressman from California and former campaign co‑chair
Ruben Gallego – U.S. Senator from Arizona
Katie Porter – Democratic gubernatorial rival
Betty Yee – Democratic gubernatorial rival
Tom Steyer – Democratic gubernatorial rival
What People Are Saying
Swalwell said in a statement: “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. My focus in the coming days is to be with my wife and children and defend our decades of service against these lies.”
Senior Democrats Jeffries, Aguilar and Clark said in a joint statement: “Following the incredibly disturbing sexual assault accusations against Congressman Eric Swalwell, we call for a swift investigation into these incidents and for the Congressman to immediately end his campaign to be California’s next Governor. This is unacceptable of anyone—certainly not an elected official—and must be taken seriously.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California, said: “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.”
Democratic Senator Adam Schiff of California said in a post on X: “This woman was brave to come forward, and we should take her story seriously. I am withdrawing my endorsement immediately, and believe that he should withdraw from the race.”
Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona said: “I regret having come to his defense on social media prior to knowing all the information. I am equally as shocked and upset about what has transpired.”
California congresswoman Katie Porter said the allegations against Swalwell are “horrifying”, adding to the alleged victims: “We believe you and we stand with you.”
Gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer said: “Speaking out is never easy, and her account must be taken seriously. At a moment like this, we must make sure that women are heard, and justice is pursued.”
Donald Trump-endorsed Republican California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton wrote on X: “For all their endless lectures about gender equality and their ‘values,’ it’s obvious that today’s California Democratic Party doesn’t care about anything except its own power. That’s why we will defeat them in November.”
What Happens Next
Investigations and additional public statements could further reshape the governor’s race in the days ahead, as California politics becomes increasingly tied to the broader national debate over accountability and leadership.
