Swalwell was surging ahead in the polls ahead of the allegations that were leveled at him from former colleagues and staffers.
California congressman and gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell has suspected his campaign to lead that state as sexual misconduct allegations swirl and fellow Democrats have distanced themselves from the beleagured politician.
In a post on X Sunday night, he said “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.”
Swalwell was surging ahead in the polls ahead of the allegations that were leveled at him from former colleagues and staffers. Those allegations have caused the Manhattan DA’s office to bring him under investigation and the Department of Homeland Security has begun a federal investigation for his domestic hires.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed it has been collecting information related to claims that Swalwell hired a Brazilian national as a nanny without proper work authorization. The agency said the matter has been referred to Department of Homeland Security law enforcement for investigation. “No one is above the law, including a member of Congress,” USCIS said in a statement.
After the accusations went public, Swalwell put out a video saying “A lot has been said about me today through anonymous allegations. I thought it was important that you see and hear from me directly.
“These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have.
“They also come on the eve of an election where I have been the front runner candidate for governor in California, I do not suggest to you in any way that I’m perfect or that I’m a saint.
“I’ve certainly made mistakes, but those mistakes are between me and my wife and to her, I apologize deeply for putting her in this position. I also apologize to you if in any way you’ve doubted your support from me, but I think you know who I am.
“For over 20 years, I have served the public as a city councilman, as a member of Congress and as a prosecutor who went to court on behalf of victims, particularly on behalf of sexual assault.
“That’s who I am, and have always been. This weekend, I’m going to spend time spend time with my family and friends. I appreciate those who have reached out to me to show support. I look forward to updating you very soon.”
This suspension of his campaign is the update. Though he has not dropped out of the race completely yet, the primaries are fast approaching and other candidates have already begun to capitalize on his scandal. Some have called for him to quit the race entirely while still others, like LA Mayor Karen Bass, have insisted he resign from Congress.
Pressure has also mounted from within Swalwell’s own ranks. A letter signed by more than 50 former staffers described the allegations as “serious” and “credible,” calling on him to resign from Congress and end his gubernatorial campaign.
According to reporting by CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle, a former staffer accused Swalwell of sexual assault following a night of drinking, alleging he engaged in sexual activity when she was unable to consent. Three additional women told CNN they experienced other forms of alleged misconduct, including unsolicited explicit images and messages.
“I was pushing him off of me, saying no,” a former staffer of Swalwell’s anonymously told CNN about an encounter with the Democrat in 2024. “He didn’t stop.” Swalwell has denied all of the accusations.
“The allegations reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN are serious, credible, and demand accountability,” the letter stated. “We stand unequivocally with our colleague, who showed extraordinary courage in coming forward to share her truth. We believe her.”
In a separate unsigned letter, current staffers described the allegations as “abhorrent,” while asking for understanding for those who remain employed in Swalwell’s office.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) posted on X Saturday, “I am filing a motion to expel Eric Swalwell from Congress.”
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) echoed the sentiment, writing, “Time for some ‘House’ cleaning,” adding that “The following members of Congress have disqualified themselves through their own conduct,” and listed Tony Gonzalez, Cory Mills, Eric Swalwell, and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.
She added, “They should resign immediately.”
“We should not tolerate this behavior,” said Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-VA) in comments to CNN on Sunday. “Representative Eric Swalwell needs to go.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) also called for Swalwell to exit the governor’s race and indicated she would support expulsion from Congress. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said lawmakers would address the situation upon returning to Washington.
The California race for governor is a crowded field of candidates. Steve Hilton leads the pack and Swalwell was biting at his heels. Other Democrats include Katie Porter and former Biden cabinet official Xavier Becerra, Chad Bianco, Matt Mahan, Tom Steyer, Betty Yee and others.
