Eric Swalwell suspends California gubernatorial campaign following misconduct allegations

Congressman Eric Swalwell has suspended his campaign for governor of California following allegations of sexual misconduct made by four women. The accusations range from sexual harassment to rape.

Swalwell, who was considered a frontrunner in the Democratic primary, announced his departure on X, stating: "I am suspending my campaign for governor. 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 allegations first surfaced in the San Francisco Chronicle two days prior to his announcement. A former staff member alleged that Swalwell made inappropriate comments and solicited her for sex shortly after she was hired at his district office in Castro Valley. She further claimed that in September 2019, she woke up naked in the congressman's hotel room with little memory of the previous night. She also reported a later incident at a gala where she pushed him away after he allegedly made unwanted advances.

On Friday, CNN reported that four women who had worked for Swalwell had come forward with similar claims of misconduct. Swalwell's legal team reportedly issued cease-and-desist letters to two of the accusers the day before the CNN report.

"For nearly 20 years, I have served the public - as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women. I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action," Swalwell said. "My focus in the coming days is to be with my wife and children and defend our decades of service against these lies."

Swalwell's exit occurs just weeks before the 2 June primary election to replace outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom.