Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat and U.S. Representative for the state’s 13th district, announced Sunday night he is suspending his campaign for governor following a criminal investigation into sexual assault allegations.
“I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past,” Swalwell said in a statement. “I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.”
The move comes one day after the Manhattan district attorney’s office confirmed it is investigating sexual assault claims against Swalwell.
A woman who previously worked in Swalwell’s district office accused him of two nonconsensual sexual encounters: one in 2019 while she was employed by him and another in 2024 after she left his staff. She stated that Swalwell raped her at a New York City hotel during the 2024 incident, and she said she was too intoxicated to consent in both cases.
Swalwell has denied all allegations, calling them “absolutely false” and vowing to fight them.
Three additional women have also accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct.
The Manhattan district attorney’s office urged anyone with relevant information to contact its Special Victims Division.
The allegations have triggered political fallout, with several prominent Democrats reportedly urging Swalwell to end his gubernatorial bid before the announcement.
This development marks a dramatic turn in California’s governor race and raises serious questions about Swalwell’s political future as the investigation unfolds.
