Eric Swalwell drops out of California Governor race, reveals future plans amid sexual assault allegations

Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor on Sunday (April 12, 2026) following sexual assault allegations that he continues to deny. “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 said in a post on X.





Following the revelation of sexual assault allegations in the San Francisco Chronicle and later by CNN, Democrats were quick to corner him. The allegations against the Democratic Congressman were that he sexually assaulted a woman twice, including when she worked for him. The reports came as Swalwell began to emerge as a leading contender in the crowded race.

His exit from the race comes less than a month before ballots go out in advance of the June 2 primary and as Democrats have been engaged in a messy primary campaign. Swalwell's Democratic rivals were among those who swiftly urged him to exit the race, but his support also cratered among allies in Congress and labor unions who had endorsed him.

Some Democrats also urged Swalwell to resign his seat in Congress, but he made no mention of that Sunday. The 48-hour period marked a rapid reversal for a candidate who appeared to be gaining momentum in the packed field to replace Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who can’t seek a third term. Though Swalwell has denied the allegations, he has seemingly referenced infidelity in multiple statements.