Rep. Eric Swalwell officially suspends his bid for Governor
Rep. Eric Swalwell has officially dropped from the gubernatorial race in California. Swalwell was accused by several women of sexual misconduct, with one former staffer alleging rape.
Swalwell announced on social media, “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.” Nevertheless, the ex-candidate did not admit to any fault.
He added, “I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made—but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.”
Swalwell’s decision was expected. Other figures from the Democratic Party called for the Californian congressman to exit the race.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi told Swalwell to “get out of the race” after being accused of misconduct.
Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries pulled his support for Swalwell. In his issued statement on X, Jeffries called for a “swift investigation” into the allegations against the ex-gubernatorial candidate. The minority leader also wrote, “All perpetrators of sexual assault and harassment must be held accountable.”
Other Dems from California also rescinded their support for the disgraced candidate. Nevertheless, Democrats were still criticized for not urging Swalwell to step down from his current position.
GOP member Rep. Anna Paulina Luna wrote on X, “You broke House rules and are a predator. You have 24 hours to announce you are resigning. Both you and Tony are a disgrace.” Luna didn’t spare her GOP colleague, Rep. Tony Gonzales, from the criticism.
Gonzales, like Swalwell, was also accused of sexual misconduct by another female ex-staffer. The Gonzales staffer said that the congressman sent her sexually explicit messages asking her to send nude photos. Allegedly, Gonzales also tried to initiate sexual contact with the victim, but the interaction never became physical.
What are the allegations against Swalwell?
Regardless of political party, sexual assault is inexcusable. Both scenarios from across the aisle involving men leveraging their status against young women are morally reprehensible. If these allegations are confirmed after investigation, it’s possible for Congress to remove both Gonzales and Swalwell from their current posts.
These allegations against Swalwell came to light days ago after the reporting of several major media outlets. According to a CNN report, one ex-staffer of the congressman sexually assaulted her when she was heavily intoxicated in 2024. The attack left her bruised and bleeding, but this wouldn’t be the first time it happened.
According to the woman, Swalwell also assaulted her in 2019 after a night of heavy drinking.
Another victim came forward and said she met Stalwell online. She ended up drunk with barely any recollection of the night but remembered that the congressman kissed her and touched her leg without consent.
Social media content creator Ally Sammarco accused Swalwell of sending her unsolicited nude photos. She would later post on X, “None of this is our fault. This is about an abuse of power. No one paid us to come forward.” This is in response to naysayers who believe that the women are politically targeting Swalwell for their own gain. Sammarco identifies as a Democrat, and yet, she came forward because the issue is bigger than political parties.
It’s a story about abuse and how women are subject to it in politics regardless of which party they align themselves with. Swalwell’s senior staff has issued a statement, affirming that they stand with their former colleague and find Swalwell’s behavior “abhorrent.” But stepping down from the gubernatorial race is the first step. Real accountability is yet to be served.
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