SACRAMENTO — Prominent Democrats called on U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell to immediately end his campaign for California governor on Friday after a former staffer accused him of sexual assault, according to reports by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN.
The allegations, published Friday, prompted House Democratic leaders, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Adam Schiff to withdraw support and urge Swalwell to drop out of the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom. Several other Democratic candidates for governor and major organizations also rescinded endorsements or called for his withdrawal.
Swalwell, a leading Democratic contender in the 2026 race, denied the claims. “These allegations of sexual assault are flat false,” he said in a video statement Friday. “They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything that I have.”
The San Francisco Chronicle reported that an unnamed former congressional staffer alleged Swalwell sexually assaulted her twice when she was too intoxicated to consent, once in 2019 and again in 2024. CNN reported additional allegations of sexual misconduct from three other women. Details of those accounts, including any specific timelines, remained limited in initial reporting. Swalwell’s attorney had previously sent a cease-and-desist letter regarding unverified accusations.
In a joint statement, Jeffries, along with House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, said: “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.” Pelosi stated that the matter “must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability” and that it would be best handled outside a gubernatorial campaign.
Schiff, who had endorsed Swalwell, rescinded his support and called for him to withdraw. Fellow Democratic gubernatorial candidates, including former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, billionaire Tom Steyer and former Rep. Katie Porter, also urged Swalwell to drop out. The California Teachers Association suspended its endorsement.
Swalwell, who represents a district in the East Bay, announced his candidacy for governor in November 2025. He had been among the frontrunners in early polling for the crowded Democratic primary. As of Friday evening, his campaign website was reportedly inaccessible, according to multiple news outlets.
Swalwell has not commented further beyond his denial and vow to fight the allegations. House Democratic leaders and other officials called for an investigation, but it remained unclear whether any formal probe had been launched by Congress or California authorities as of Saturday morning. Swalwell has not said whether he intends to continue his bid.
