Calls grow for Swalwell to quit California governor race after sexual assault allegations
Calls are mounting for Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell to drop out of California’s 2026 gubernatorial race after a former staffer and multiple women made serious sexual‑assault and misconduct allegations against him. Swalwell has publicly denied all allegations and says he will fight them, including through legal action, but has not withdrawn from the contest.
Nature of the allegations
A former campaign staffer told the San Francisco Chronicle that Swalwell sexually assaulted her; several other women relayed accounts to CNN, ranging from unwanted explicit messages and images to rape‑like assaults while they were heavily intoxicated. At least one incident is alleged to have occurred in a New York hotel room, prompting the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office to open an investigation into that specific claim.
Political fallout in the race
Prominent California Democrats, including Senator Adam Schiff and outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom, have called on Swalwell to step aside, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has urged that the matter be handled “outside” of an active campaign. Several senior campaign staffers have resigned, major unions such as SEIU California and the California Teachers Association have withdrawn or suspended support, and party leaders including Rep. Jimmy Gomez have publicly pressed Swalwell to withdraw immediately.
Swalwell’s position so far
Swalwell has characterized the allegations as “flat false” and insists he never committed any of the acts described. He has vowed to continue in the governor’s race while the investigations are pending, arguing that the claims are politically motivated and should be resolved through the legal system.
