Rep. Eric Swalwell Suspends California Governor Campaign Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

Swalwell Steps Aside After Multiple Accusations

Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell announced on Sunday, April 12, 2026, that he is suspending his campaign for California governor after several women accused him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct — allegations the congressman has categorically denied.

"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 statement posted to X (formerly Twitter).

The Allegations

The scandal erupted last week when the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN separately reported that a woman who had worked in Swalwell's district office accused him of two nonconsensual sexual encounters. CNN further reported that three additional women had accused the congressman of sexual misconduct.

Swalwell, 45, has firmly denied all of the allegations, calling them "absolutely false" and vowing to fight them legally.

Democratic Leaders Call for His Exit

The accusations triggered swift backlash from within his own party. House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar jointly urged Swalwell to end his gubernatorial bid on April 10.

"Following the incredibly disturbing sexual assault accusations against Congressman Eric Swalwell, we call for a swift investigation into these incidents and for the Congressman to immediately end his campaign to be California's next Governor," the Democratic leaders said in a joint statement.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also said she advised Swalwell to step aside, stating: "The young woman who has made serious allegations against Congressman Swalwell must be respected and heard. This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability."

Calls to Resign From Congress

The fallout has extended beyond the governor's race. Democratic Reps. Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, and Eugene Vindman called on Swalwell to resign from Congress entirely in separate television interviews on April 12. An open letter signed by more than 50 of Swalwell's own staffers also demanded he resign from Congress and withdraw from the California gubernatorial race, describing the allegations as serious and credible.

Manhattan DA Opens Investigation

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office confirmed on April 11 that it had opened an investigation into the sexual assault allegations against Swalwell. According to the New York Times, investigators are looking into an allegation that Swalwell assaulted a woman in New York City in 2024.

In a separate development, Reuters reported that the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it is also investigating allegations that Swalwell illegally employed a Brazilian nanny.

A Career in Jeopardy

Swalwell was first elected to Congress in 2012, representing a Northern California district just outside Oakland. He previously served as a prosecutor in Alameda County and mounted a long-shot bid for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination before withdrawing and endorsing Joe Biden.

He had been considered the frontrunner in the California governor's race to succeed Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited and will leave office in 2027. His suspension marks a dramatic fall from political prominence and leaves the California Democratic gubernatorial field wide open.

"These allegations are serious. USCIS has referred this matter to the Department of Homeland Security law enforcement for investigation." — USCIS spokesperson

Swalwell maintains his innocence and has indicated he will pursue legal action to clear his name, even as his political career hangs in the balance.