Several Democratic politicians have pulled their endorsements of Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and urged him to end his campaign for California governor amid sexual assault allegations.
House Democratic leaders—House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.)—issued a joint statement on April 10 calling for an investigation into the allegations.
“Following the incredibly disturbing sexual assault accusations against Congressman Eric Swalwell, we call for a swift investigation into these incidents and for the Congressman to immediately end his campaign to be California’s next Governor,” the lawmakers stated.
The allegations came to light after the San Francisco Chronicle reported on April 10 that a former staffer accused Swalwell of sexually assaulting her while she was intoxicated in two incidents. The first incident allegedly occurred while she was employed by Swalwell in 2019, and another alleged assault after a charity gala in 2024, the newspaper reported.
Swalwell has vehemently denied reports that he engaged in sexual misconduct.
“These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They’re absolutely false. They did not happen, they have never happened. And I will fight them with everything that I have. They also come on the eve of an election, where I have been the frontrunner candidate for governor in California,” he said in a video message posted on X.
“I do not suggest to you in any way that I’m perfect or that I’m a saint. I have certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past, but those mistakes are between me and my wife. And to her, I apologize deeply for putting her in this position. I also apologize to you if in any way you’ve doubted your support for me.”
The Epoch Times has reached out to Swalwell’s campaign but did not receive a response by publication time.
Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), who chaired Swalwell’s campaign for California’s gubernatorial race, said in a social media post on April 10 that he was stepping down from the role, effective immediately.
“The congressman should leave the race now so there can be full accountability without doubt, distraction, or delay,” Gomez wrote on Instagram.
The California Teachers Association, along with Sens. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), have also rescinded support for Swalwell.
Swalwell’s campaign appeared to have suspended its fundraising on ActBlue, a nonprofit platform for political donations, as of April 10.
The congressman announced his run for California governor in November. On his campaign website, Swalwell described himself as “California’s fighter and protector,” saying his candidacy is driven by concerns over inflation and the Trump administration’s policies.
“I’m running for Governor because prices are too high and people are scared. California’s next governor has two jobs. One, keep the worst president in history out of our homes, out of our streets, and out of our lives,” he stated.
Other Democratic candidates in the California gubernatorial race include former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, former California Rep. Katie Porter, and billionaire activist Tom Steyer.
California voters will vote on June 2 in the gubernatorial primary, and the top two candidates will move on to the November election.
This article was originally published by The Epoch Times.
