Eric Swalwell Drops Governor Bid Amid Misconduct Allegations

Swalwell, who had been a prominent candidate in the California governor's contest, withdrew his candidacy amid increasing pressure from numerous prominent House Democrats and others.

A former employee claimed that Swalwell had sexually assaulted her twice while she was too inebriated to provide consent. Additionally, CNN reported that Swalwell had been accused of sexual misconduct by three additional women.

Swalwell refuted the allegations, stating that they were “absolutely false” and saying, “They did not happen. They have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have.”

This is no longer just a political story—it’s turning into a serious legal and reputational crisis for Eric Swalwell. With multiple allegations, a criminal investigation, and pressure from fellow lawmakers, his decision to step back from the governor’s race shows how quickly things can shift in politics when accusations like this emerge.

The Manhattan district attorney's office initiated a criminal investigation into Swalwell in response to a single sexual assault allegation that was purportedly committed in New York in 2024.

Members of Congress from both parties expressed the possibility of voting to expel Swalwell and a Republican US representative, Tony Gonzales, who has also been accused of sexual misconduct.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican from Florida, has declared her intention to compel a vote to remove Swalwell in response to the allegations. The vote could occur as early as midweek.

The San Francisco Chronicle was the first to disclose the allegations, which were detailed by a former staff member. The full scope of the allegations, which include claims of assault and other inappropriate behavior in both California and New York, has now been made public.

Swalwell was accused of hiring "a Brazilian national as a nanny without lawful work authorization," according to the US Department of Homeland Security, which announced an investigation on Sunday afternoon.

"No employer, including a member of Congress, is above the law," stated U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which had been gathering information and referred the matter to DHS law enforcement for investigation.

Swalwell Withdraws from California Governor Race as Legal Pressure Mounts

California Democrat Eric Swalwell suspends his campaign for governor amid sexual misconduct allegations from four women and ongoing investigations, including a DHS probe into his employment of a Brazilian nanny.

Despite denying all claims as 'absolutely false,' Swalwell faces calls for expulsion from Congress, a criminal investigation in Manhattan, and significant pressure from fellow Democrats, marking a major shift in the California governor's race.