SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Civitas.global) — Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell has suspended his campaign for the governor of California following serious sexual assault allegations. In a statement made via social media, Swalwell declared, I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.
The allegations include claims that Swalwell assaulted a woman on two occasions, with one incident occurring in 2019 when she worked for him. The allegations were reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN, coinciding with Swalwell's rise as a major contender in the race to replace Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is unable to seek a third term.
Following the allegations, major support for Swalwell quickly evaporated. Some Democrats were quick to release statements urging him to step down, while others suggested he should resign from Congress altogether. His campaign faced intense scrutiny, especially with the primary approaching in just weeks. This development has caused a shakeup among candidates vying for the Democratic nomination.
Though Swalwell has denied the accusations, he acknowledged past mistakes in a video where he apologized to his family. The allegations have drawn significant political pressure, with some of his colleagues calling for his expulsion from the House of Representatives.
As the gubernatorial race continues, Swalwell's exit will likely lead to a more aggressive competition among remaining candidates, including notable figures such as Tom Steyer and Katie Porter. Meanwhile, the Republican candidates are also positioning themselves ahead of the primaries.
The woman making the allegations stated that she felt unable to report the incidents due to fears of not being believed. Neither outlet that reported the allegations named her, and the Associated Press has not been able to verify her account independently.
With the political landscape shifting rapidly, Swalwell’s former allies and supporters now face the challenge of navigating this unexpected and contentious campaign landscape.
