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Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor Sunday as he faced mounting pressure from fellow Democrats following allegations of sexual assault made by a former staffer.
“I am suspending my campaign for Governor,” Swalwell wrote on social media. “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.”
The decision came two days after a former staffer accused Swalwell of sexually assaulting her twice when she was too intoxicated to consent, according to a report published Friday by the San Francisco Chronicle. The woman, who has not been publicly identified, also alleged additional misconduct.
Swalwell has denied the accusations, calling them “false” and suggesting they are politically motivated. He has also threatened legal action against the accuser.
The allegations have triggered both political and legal consequences. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office confirmed Sunday that it has opened an inquiry into the claims and is urging potential victims or witnesses to come forward.
In a statement, the office said its prosecutors and investigators are equipped to handle such cases “in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner.”
Meanwhile, the controversy has raised the possibility of disciplinary action in Congress. Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican, announced plans to force a House vote to expel Swalwell, which could occur as early as this week.
Top House Democrats swiftly distanced themselves from Swalwell’s gubernatorial bid. In a joint statement, Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark and Pete Aguilar called for him to end his campaign, though they stopped short of urging his resignation from Congress.
“This is unacceptable of anyone — certainly not an elected official — and must be taken seriously,” the leaders said. “All perpetrators of sexual assault and harassment must be held accountable.”
California’s two Democratic senators, Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, also urged Swalwell to withdraw from the race. Schiff said he was “deeply distressed” by the allegations.
Dozens of Swalwell’s former staffers called for him to drop out of the race and resign from Congress in a letter sent over the weekend.
“We stand unequivocally with our colleague, who showed extraordinary courage in coming forward to share her truth,” the letter stated. “We believe her.”
Political observers noted the speed and breadth of Democratic backlash as a sign of the party’s heightened sensitivity to allegations of misconduct, particularly involving power dynamics in the workplace.
Swalwell, a high-profile Democrat who previously ran for president and has been a vocal critic of Republican leadership, had secured support from several prominent figures in California before the allegations surfaced.
The controversy underscores ongoing political and cultural reckonings over sexual misconduct, particularly within government institutions, where allegations can quickly reshape careers and electoral prospects.
While his gubernatorial campaign is now on hold, Swalwell’s future in Congress remains uncertain. The potential expulsion vote and ongoing investigation could determine whether he is able to continue serving in office.
Swalwell has vowed to contest the allegations, setting up a legal and political battle that could unfold in the coming weeks.
