US Congressman Eric Swalwell has dropped out of the California governor race following growing pressure over sexual misconduct allegations.
The Democrat has been accused by four women of misconduct ranging from sexual harassment to rape. He has denied the claims and vowed to defend himself with 'facts'.
Top allies had called on him to exit the gubernatorial race, in which he was projected as one of the frontrunners among Democratic candidates.
His departure comes at a pivotal moment in the wide-open primary race, just weeks before voters receive postal ballots ahead of the June 2 election to replace outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom and to lead the nation's most populous state.
Swalwell said in a post on X: I am suspending my campaign for governor. To my family, staff, friends and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made - but that's my fight, not a campaign's.
Swalwell's decision to suspend his campaign follows allegations reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, where a former staff member claimed he made inappropriate comments and solicited sex shortly after her hiring. Further claims include incidents of unwanted sexual advances.
The woman reported waking up naked in Swalwell's hotel room with little recollection of the events, and her accusations have been corroborated by text messages to friends and statements from her former boyfriend.
Following the emergence of these allegations, Swalwell quickly lost the support of several key figures, including Senator Adam Schiff and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and faced additional accusations from four other women.
His legal team had previously sent cease-and-desist letters to two accusers. In response to the allegations, Swalwell claimed: 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.
Swalwell's suspension leaves at least ten candidates in the primary race, with the top two advancing to the general election in November.
