US Democrat Eric Swalwell Suspends Gubernatorial Bid After Party Pressure and Accusations

Mintesinot Nigussie

Eric Swalwell has suspended his campaign for California governor, stepping out of the race on Sunday amid growing pressure from Democratic leaders and mounting fallout after sexual assault allegations emerged from a former staff member.

The decision followed a rapid escalation of political pressure within his own party, with senior Democrats calling for him to withdraw from the contest. House Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark and Pete Aguilar said the allegations “must be taken seriously” and urged him to end his gubernatorial bid.

California senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla also pressed him to withdraw from the race. Schiff said he was “deeply distressed” by the accusations. The controversy intensified further after dozens of former staffers signed a letter calling on Swalwell to exit the governor’s race and resign from Congress.

The claims were first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. Swalwell denied the allegations on Friday, describing them as false and suggesting they were politically motivated. He also indicated he could pursue legal action against the accuser.

The fallout has triggered potential disciplinary action in Congress. Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna has said she plans to force a vote on expelling Swalwell, with proceedings potentially taking place as early as midweek.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office confirmed it has opened an inquiry into the allegations. The office said it is seeking information from survivors and witnesses and described its approach as trauma-informed and survivor-centered.

In a statement posted on social media, Swalwell said he was suspending his campaign while preparing to fight the allegations. “I am suspending my campaign for Governor,” he wrote, adding that he was “deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past,” while insisting he would contest what he called “serious, false allegations” outside the framework of his campaign.

Businesses and political observers are watching the situation closely, as the case highlights the growing scrutiny on public figures amid allegations of misconduct.

Overall, Swalwell’s suspension of his gubernatorial bid marks a significant political setback for the California Democrat amid intense party pressure and legal scrutiny.