Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell’s odds of withdrawing from California’s gubernatorial race ahead of the primary election have surged on Friday after the San Francisco Chronicle reported on allegations that he sexually assaulted a former staffer—accusations that Swalwell vehemently denies.
Swalwell’s bid for California governor also faced escalating pressure as senior aides resigned, major Democratic figures withdrew endorsements, current Democratic leadership called for him to end his campaign and Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert threatened to censure him.
Why It Matters
The turmoil threatened to reorder California’s top-two primary, where a splintered Democratic field has heightened the chances of two Republicans advancing if Swalwell’s support collapses and fails to consolidate behind another Democrat.
According to the Chronicle’s report, a former staffer of Swalwell accused him of sexual assaulting her while she was too intoxicated to consent. CNN also reported four women accusing him of sexual misconduct.
An email sent to Newsweek by Swalwell’s lawyer, Elias Dabaie, on Friday said, “We learned from press outlets that there are multiple allegations made against the Congressman.
“We believe those allegations are baseless and continue to seek the truth. We also want to understand why these allegations would suddenly arise on the eve on [sic] an election against the frontrunner in what appears to be a coordinated effort to undermine his candidacy.”
Shortly after 11 p.m. ET, Swalwell posted a video on X, saying in part that the allegations against him are “flat false.”
What To Know
According to online betting platform Polymarket, Swalwell’s odds of dropping out rose more than 40 percent on Friday.
From roughly 3 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., Swalwell’s odds of dropping out were 50 percent. At 5:55 p.m., they skyrocketed to 73 percent and at 10:10 p.m., they were 93 percent.
Polymarket also shows as of 10:20 p.m. ET that Swalwell has a 4 percent chance of winning the gubernatorial race compared to Democratic candidate Katie Porter’s 12 percent. Businessman Tom Steyer, also a Democrat, holds the lead with 55 percent, per the prediction market.
President Donald Trump ’s pick in the California gubernatorial race, Steve Hilton, stands at 7 percent.
What People Are Saying
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, in a joint statement on Friday night: “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.
“We commend the courageous women for sharing their experiences. In this and all circumstances, we must ensure that those who come forward with allegations of sexual assault and harassment are heard and respected. All perpetrators of sexual assault and harassment must be held accountable.”
Porter, on X Friday: “In light of the allegations of sexual assault, Eric Swalwell should resign from Congress and end his campaign for public office. But those decisions do not absolve him of taking responsibility for his misconduct, especially when he has attempted to silence and retaliate against these victims. These allegations merit full investigations, and these women deserve the right to pursue justice. Too often, men escape any consequence for sexual misconduct by stepping out of power. That is a first and necessary step towards justice because it limits the ability for further harm. I stand with these women as they seek justice.”
California Democratic Senator Adam Schiff, on X Friday: “I have read the San Francisco Chronicle’s account and I am deeply distressed by its allegations. 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.”
What Happens Next
Early voting for California’s June 2 primary is set to begin in weeks, compressing the timeline for Swalwell to assess his path as endorsements and institutional support back out.
