SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) 鈥� In a stunning political reversal, prominent supporters of Rep. Eric campaign for California governor withdrew their support Friday after the congressmember denied allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman twice, including when she worked for him.
Swalwell was among the to replace outgoing Gov. Gavin 海角社区appom. But in just hours, he saw his most prominent supporters – including U.S. and powerful labor unions – drop their endorsements and call for his exit from the race.
海角社区appom, a likely 2028 presidential candidate who has avoided engaging in the contest to replace him, said in a statement: 鈥淎s we continue to learn more, these allegations from multiple sources are deeply troubling and must be taken seriously.鈥�
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who hasn鈥檛 endorsed in the race, said the 鈥渟erious allegations鈥� must be investigated.
鈥淎s I discussed with Congressman Swalwell, it is clear that is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign,鈥� she said in social media posted by her staff.
The allegations surfaced at a critical stage of to lead the nation鈥檚 most populous state. The exodus of support threatened to cripple Swalwell’s campaign, less than a month before voters receive mail ballots in advance of the June 2 election.
This turmoil in the race came after the San Francisco Chronicle that a woman said Swalwell sexually assaulted her in 2019 and 2024. The newspaper reviewed text messages about the alleged 2024 assault and spoke to people whom she had told about it. She told the newspaper she did not go to police because she was afraid she would not be believed.
The woman worked for Swalwell in 2019 when the first alleged assault occurred, and the 2024 assault allegedly occurred after a charity gala, the newspaper reported. She said in both cases she was too intoxicated to consent to sex.
Swalwell denied the woman’s account and suggested they were part of an .
鈥淭hese allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,鈥� Swalwell said in a statement. 鈥淔or nearly 20 years, I have served the public 鈥� as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women. I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action. My focus in the coming days is to be with my wife and children and defend our decades of service against these lies.鈥�
The paper didn鈥檛 name the woman, and The Associated Press has not been able to independently verify her account and identity. Her lawyer declined to comment.
The woman received a cease-and-desist letter from 厂飞补濒飞别濒濒鈥檚 attorney, the Chronicle reported. The attorney, Elias Debaie, confirmed he sent out at least one letter and called the allegations 鈥渂aseless.鈥�
Swift backlash from prominent Democrats
On Friday afternoon, Schiff said in a social media post he’s 鈥渄eeply distressed鈥� by the allegations, calling for Swalwell to end his gubernatorial bid.
Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who helped run 厂飞补濒飞别濒濒鈥檚 campaign, said he鈥檚 immediately ending his role.
鈥淭he congressman should leave the race now so there can be full accountability without doubt, distraction, or delay,鈥� Gomez said on social media.
Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego and California Rep. Adam Gray also said they’re yanking their support. Mark Ramos, who heads the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, called on Swalwell to end his campaign.
Powerful labor unions, including the California Service Employees International Union and the California Teachers Association, said they’re suspending their support. The California Federation of Labor Unions said it鈥檚 鈥渁cting urgently鈥� on next steps.
A spokesperson for House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said the allegations require a 鈥渟erious and thorough investigation.鈥�
鈥淭hese brave women must be heard and respected,鈥� spokeswoman Christie Stephenson said in a statement. “It is imperative that the investigation follow the facts, apply the law and take place immediately.鈥�
Growing calls for Swalwell to drop out
Uncorroborated and nonspecific rumors that Swalwell behaved inappropriately with female staffers have circulated on social media for weeks, but the Chronicle’s story is the first reported account of someone making a direct accusation. At a Tuesday campaign event in Sacramento, he told reporters he’s never had a sexual relationship with a staff member or intern.
CNN also reported that several women accused Swalwell of sending them inappropriate sexual messages.
Swalwell earlier this week announced a series of campaign functions he鈥檚 planned around the state, but canceled the scheduled event Thursday in Palm Springs.
Swalwell is among in the crowded field to replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Gavin 海角社区appom, and he immediately came under pressure from all other Democratic rivals to withdraw from the race.
Swalwell, originally from Iowa, was elected in 2012 and represents a House district east of San Francisco. He launched in April 2019 but shuttered it a few months later after failing to catch on with voters. Swalwell, who is married and has three children, is perhaps best known nationally as a House manager in President Donald Trump鈥檚 during his first term in early 2021.
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Blood reported from Los Angeles.
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