Swalwell Ends CA Governor Bid, Resigns Congress Seat Over Assault Claims

Rep. Eric Swalwell, the Dublin Democrat representing California's 14th Congressional District since 2012, suspended his bid for governor Sunday evening, days after the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN reported allegations of sexual assault and misconduct from four women.[1][2][3] A former staffer alleged Swalwell solicited oral sex from her, assaulted her in 2019, and raped her in a New York City hotel room in 2024 when she was too drunk to consent; her account was backed by medical records, text messages to friends, and corroborating witnesses.[1][3] Three other women accused him of sending unsolicited nude photos and inappropriate Snapchat messages, plus unwanted kissing and touching.[2][3] Swalwell, married with three children, denied the claims as 'absolutely false' in a social media post and Friday video, vowing to fight them privately.[1][2][4] The allegations triggered a swift collapse: dozens of supporters and at least four staffers quit, major unions like the California Federation of Labor and California Teachers Association withdrew endorsements after emergency meetings, and Democratic leaders including Sens. Adam Schiff and Nancy Pelosi called for his withdrawal.[1][2][3] At a Sacramento town hall last week, Swalwell had denied rumors of staff encounters.[1] The Manhattan District Attorney's Office opened a criminal investigation into the 2024 assault, while Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna announced plans to file a motion to expel him from Congress.[2][3] Swalwell resigned his House seat, per ABC10 reporting Monday.[5] Swalwell, who entered the race late after Kamala Harris and Sen. Alex Padilla declined, had surged to 24% of delegate votes at the California Democratic Party's February convention in Anaheim — the largest share, though short of endorsement.[2][4] He campaigned on battling President Donald Trump as governor's 'number one job,' tying with former Rep. Katie Porter and billionaire Tom Steyer in recent polls.[1][4] Porter and Steyer demanded he quit both races; state party chair Rusty Hicks deemed the allegations 'deeply disturbing.'[4] His exit leaves a crowded Democratic field of seven top contenders, including Porter, Steyer and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, with analysts calling the top-two primary 'wide open' and no frontrunner.[3][5] Trump's Monday endorsement of Republican Steve Hilton adds pressure, though California GOP delegates endorsed no one Sunday.[4] Swalwell's millions in recent super PAC funding now vanish from the race, potentially boosting Porter or others as voters realign ahead of the March 2026 primary.[2][4][5]