Campaign Support Evaporates After Chronicle Report
The gubernatorial campaign of Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell of California faced immediate collapse on Friday as political allies and institutional supporters rapidly withdrew their endorsements. The mass exodus followed a San Francisco Chronicle report detailing allegations from a former staffer who claims Swalwell sexually assaulted her twice while she was too intoxicated to consent.
Swalwell forcefully denied the allegations, calling them "false" and suggesting they were politically motivated, coming just weeks before the state's primary election where recent polls had shown him gaining momentum. "These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor," Swalwell told the Chronicle. The campaign has previously dismissed similar rumors circulating on social media as efforts by "flailing opponents" and "MAGA conspiracy theorists."
Key Endorsements Rescinded
The political fallout was swift and severe. Representative Jimmy Gomez, a fellow California Democrat who served as a campaign co-chair, resigned from that position and publicly called on Swalwell to "leave the race now so there can be full accountability without doubt, distraction or delay." The campaign's other co-chair, Representative Adam Gray, announced on social media that he was withdrawing his support and urged Swalwell to end his campaign.
Senator Adam Schiff, who had endorsed his former House colleague, stated he was "deeply distressed" by the allegations and immediately withdrew his endorsement, adding that he believes Swalwell "should withdraw from the race." Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona, described as a longtime Swalwell ally, also rescinded his support, calling the allegations "indefensible." Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a measured statement, saying the allegations "must be respected and heard" and that "this extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability." She indicated she had spoken with Swalwell and believed the investigation was "best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign."
Institutional Support Withdrawn
Major organizational backers also moved to distance themselves. The California Teachers Association announced it was "immediately suspending our support," calling the allegations "incredibly disturbing and unacceptable." The California Medical Association convened an emergency board meeting, with a spokesperson stating the organization considered the allegations "extremely serious." This rapid withdrawal of institutional support mirrors broader trends where political organizations are increasingly sensitive to misconduct allegations, as seen in recent debates about campaign finance and external influence.
According to the Chronicle report, the former staffer, who is not named, alleges Swalwell pursued her when she was 21 years old shortly after she was hired at his district office in 2019. She described multiple sexual encounters during her employment and claims he assaulted her on two occasions—in 2019 and again in 2024—while she was inebriated. Shortly after the Chronicle published its story, CNN published a separate report detailing allegations from four women regarding various kinds of sexual misconduct by Swalwell. The congressman also denied those allegations to CNN.
Campaign in Legal and Political Limbo
Swalwell's campaign now faces an almost impossible path forward. The deadline to formally withdraw from California's June 2 nonpartisan primary has passed, meaning his name will remain on the ballot regardless of whether he suspends his campaign. He was competing in a crowded field that includes former Fox News host Steve Hilton, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, billionaire Tom Steyer, and former Representative Katie Porter. The top two vote-getters in the primary will advance to the November general election.
The allegations represent a dramatic reversal for a candidate who had recently seen his political fortunes rise. Polls showed Swalwell nearing the front of the primary pack, and a recent clash with the Trump administration was viewed as a potential boost. The situation underscores how quickly campaign trajectories can shift amid serious personal allegations, a phenomenon also observed in other races where explicit misconduct claims have prompted immediate political consequences.
Cheyenne Hunt, an attorney and former congressional candidate who now leads Gen-Z for Change, stated on social media that she has been "working with a number of women who are in the process of coming forward and sharing their stories of sexual harassment and even alleged abuse at the hands of Eric Swalwell." These developments occur against a national backdrop where campaigns are increasingly focused on security and risk management, with spending on protective measures reaching unprecedented levels amid growing threats to public officials.
The crisis engulfing Swalwell's campaign highlights the continuing political potency of sexual misconduct allegations and the rapidity with which institutional support can evaporate. With key allies abandoning his bid and major endorsements withdrawn, his campaign for California's highest office appears effectively finished, even as his name remains cemented on the primary ballot.
