Eric Swalwell Withdraws from California Gubernatorial Race Amid Allegations
Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell announced his withdrawal from the California gubernatorial race just days after a former aide accused him of sexual assault. This decision follows mounting pressure and controversy surrounding the allegations, which he has firmly denied.
In a video posted on social media, Swalwell expressed his regrets regarding his campaign and emphasized the need to address the allegations outside of the electoral process. He offered apologies to his family, staff, and supporters, while affirming his intention to vigorously contest what he called “seriously false allegations.”
The allegations first emerged in a San Francisco Chronicle article, where a former staffer claimed that Swalwell had sexual contact with her in his office and assaulted her while she was incapacitated. Although NBC News has not independently verified these claims, it confirmed the identity of the accuser and her employment with Swalwell’s office from 2019 to 2021.
The Chronicle reported that it corroborated the accuser’s account through various means, including text messages she sent to a friend shortly after the alleged incidents, where she indicated that she had asked Swalwell to stop. The publication also cited interviews with the woman’s ex-boyfriend, who confirmed she had discussed the alleged assaults, along with medical records suggesting she sought testing following the encounters.
In response to these allegations, Swalwell provided a statement labeling the claims as “false.” However, subsequent reports from CNN revealed that four other women had come forward with allegations of misconduct against him, including claims that he sent unsolicited explicit photos to at least one individual. While their accounts were corroborated through messages and interviews with acquaintances, NBC News has yet to verify these accusations independently.
In light of the allegations, a group of 55 former legislative and campaign staffers who had worked with Swalwell published an open letter advocating for both his resignation from Congress and his exit from the gubernatorial race. They expressed unwavering support for the woman who came forward, emphasizing that no individual should be above the law.
With California’s gubernatorial primary set for June 2 and early voting commencing on May 4, Swalwell had previously shown competitive positioning in polls. However, the turbulent political landscape, intensified by these allegations and external calls for accountability, raises questions about the future of his political career. As the investigation unfolds, the implications may resonate beyond the gubernatorial race, affecting Swalwell’s standing in Congress and his legacy within the Democratic Party.
