Democratic Rep.Eric Swalwell has suspended his campaign for California governor after facing allegations of sexual assault, which he continues to deny.The allegations surfaced in a report by the San Francisco Chronicle, stating that Swalwell sexually assaulted a woman twice, including once while she worked for him in 2019 and again in 2024.
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news4jax.cominquirer.comFollowing the revelations, Swalwell acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations but emphasized that he views them as personal battles rather than campaign issues."I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made - but that's my fight, not a campaign's," he stated in a social media post.
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usnews.comThe fallout has been swift and severe.Many fellow Democrats have rapidly distanced themselves from Swalwell, urging him to exit the gubernatorial race and even calling for his resignation from Congress.Among those voicing their concerns are California Reps.Jared Huffman, Ro Khanna, and Sam Liccardo, along with Reps.Teresa Leger Fernández and Pramila Jayapal.
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inquirer.comkiro7.com"This is not a partisan issue," Jayapal remarked, highlighting the broader implications of how women have been treated in political spheres.
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inquirer.comAs the House prepares to return to session, discussions around potentially expelling Swalwell from Congress are gaining traction, with some representatives indicating they would support such measures if he does not resign.
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news4jax.comkiro7.comThe allegations allege that the woman involved did not report the incidents to the police due to fears of not being believed.Both alleged assaults reportedly occurred when the woman was intoxicated.
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wftv.comThe Manhattan District Attorney's Office is currently investigating the 2024 incident, which allegedly took place at a charity gala.
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inquirer.comSwalwell's campaign had previously shown promise as he gained momentum in a competitive race to replace outgoing Democratic Gov.Gavin Newsom, who is ineligible for a third term.With less than a month before ballots are set to go out for the June 2 primary, Swalwell's exit has reshaped the landscape of the gubernatorial race, leaving other candidates scrambling for his supporters.
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kiro7.comHis departure from the race has not only diminished his standing within his party but has also seen the withdrawal of support from key allies, including labor unions and prominent figures like Sen.Adam Schiff.
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usnews.comJimmy Gomez, who played a significant role in Swalwell's campaign, announced he was immediately stepping down from his position.
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inquirer.comDemocrats are anxious about the implications of Swalwell's situation on the larger primary, as California's top-two primary system allows the two candidates with the most votes to advance, regardless of party affiliation.The crowded field includes other significant contenders like billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer and former US Rep.Katie Porter, alongside Republican candidates such as former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
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kiro7.comwftv.comAs the political landscape continues to evolve, Swalwell's future remains uncertain.While he has vehemently denied the allegations, he has also expressed regret over past mistakes in judgment."To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past," he stated in an earlier message.
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kiro7.comWith the political pressure mounting, the coming days could prove pivotal as fellow lawmakers and constituents await his next moves in light of the unfolding investigations and calls for accountability.
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inquirer.comwftv.comSwalwell, originally from Iowa, has been a prominent figure in Congress since his election in 2012 and is perhaps best known for his role as a House manager during President Donald Trump's second impeachment trial.
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usnews.comAs the situation develops, his legacy and future in politics remain at a crossroads.
