In brief
In a swift political backlash, Rep. Eric Swalwell saw key endorsements vanish when he denied allegations of sexual assault. As accusations surface, including incidents from 2019 and 2024, prominent Democrats are calling for him to drop out of the California governor's race, amidst fears of a messy primary and potential losses for the party.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a dramatic turn of events, Rep. Eric Swalwell's bid for the California governorship is unraveling as key supporters have withdrawn their endorsements because of allegations that he sexually assaulted a female staff member. Swalwell, a prominent figure in the race to succeed outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom, faced intense scrutiny after a woman came forward alleging assaults from 2019 and 2024.The allegations have caused prominent figures like U.S. Senator Adam Schiff and various powerful labor unions to demand Swalwell's exit from the race. Swalwell responded on social media, denying the accusations and vowing to defend himself vigorously.Newsom, who remains noncommittal about supporting any candidate in the race, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations in a public statement, describing them as "deeply troubling." This incident comes at a pivotal moment as the competitive California primary approaches, with voters receiving mail-in ballots next month.Following the accusations, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi highlighted the need for a thorough investigation beyond the campaign, reflecting on the weight of the allegations. The California Service Employees International Union and the California Teachers Association also announced they are ceasing their support pending the investigation.As public scrutiny on Swalwell intensifies, calls for him to step down are increasing not just from fellow Democrats, but from a broader realm of political leaders. The unfolding situation raises concerns about the future of the Democratic campaign as it grows muddled with the allegations and potential fallout ahead of the elections.