SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a rapid political upheaval, prominent supporters of Rep. Eric Swalwell's campaign for California governor have retracted their endorsements. This follows Swalwell's denial of allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman who previously worked for him. He characterized the accusations as 'flat false,' vowing to fight them vigorously.
Despite the growing backlash, Swalwell indicated he would take the weekend to spend time with family, neglecting calls from supporters to step back from the race. These supporters, including influential labor unions and fellow Democratic leaders like Sen. Adam Schiff, expressed their concern and called for Swalwell to withdraw from the gubernatorial race.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has not actively participated in the race to succeed him, indicated that the news of these allegations was troubling and warranted serious attention.
Allegations first detailed by the San Francisco Chronicle involve claims that Swalwell assaulted a female staff member twice—once in 2019 and again in 2024—situations in which the woman stated she was too intoxicated to give consent. These new claims surfaced at a vital time, with voters expected to receive mail-in ballots soon for the imminent primary election on June 2.
In the wake of these developments, various prominent Democrats have expressed their disappointment and discomfort. Rep. Jimmy Gomez announced his immediate withdrawal from his role in Swalwell's campaign, urging the Congressman to leave the race to allow for accountability.
The aggressive response from labor groups, alongside prominent political figures withdrawing their support, underscores the seriousness with which these allegations are being viewed. They are particularly significant given that this primary season has already shown signs of division within the party, raising concerns that a tumultuous primary could jeopardize Democratic chances in the November election.
While Swalwell defends himself against these allegations, he has previously faced rumors regarding inappropriate conduct, including accusations involving inappropriate messages sent to women. His assertion that the accusations could be politically motivated reflects the challenging landscape ahead as he navigates this serious controversy.
As the election approaches, the pressure mounting on Swalwell highlights the implications of the accusations not just for his candidacy but also for the broader Democratic Party's cohesion in California.
