Allies yank support for Swalwell's California governor run after sexual
assault allegations
[April 11, 2026]
By TRÂN NGUYỄN and MICHAEL R. BLOOD
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — In a stunning political reversal, prominent
supporters of Rep. Eric Swalwell’s campaign for California governor
withdrew their support Friday after the congressman denied allegations
that he sexually assaulted a woman twice, including when she worked for
him.
Swalwell did not immediately heed those calls, saying on social media
that he would spend the weekend with family and friends and share an
update “very soon.”
“These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They're absolutely
false. They did not happen, they have never happened, and I will fight
them with everything that I have,” he said.
Swalwell was among the leading Democrats in the race to replace outgoing
Gov. Gavin Newsom. But in just hours, he saw his most prominent
supporters — including U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff and powerful labor unions —
drop their endorsements and call for his exit from the race.
Newsom, a likely 2028 presidential candidate who has avoided engaging in
the contest to replace him, said in a statement: “As we continue to
learn more, these allegations from multiple sources are deeply troubling
and must be taken seriously.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who hasn’t endorsed in the race, said
the “serious allegations” must be investigated and that she spoke to
Swalwell and suggested that be done “outside of a gubernatorial
campaign.”
The allegations surfaced at a critical stage of the wide-open campaign
to lead the nation’s most populous state. Voters will receive mail
ballots next month in advance of the June 2 election.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday that a woman said Swalwell
sexually assaulted her in 2019 and 2024. The newspaper reviewed text
messages about the alleged 2024 assault and spoke to people whom she had
told about it. She told the newspaper she did not go to police because
she was afraid she would not be believed.
The woman worked for Swalwell in 2019, when the first alleged assault
occurred, and the 2024 assault allegedly occurred after a charity gala,
the newspaper reported. She said in both cases she was too intoxicated
to consent to sex.
The paper didn’t name the woman, and The Associated Press has not been
able to independently verify her account and identity. Her lawyer
declined to comment.
Swift backlash from prominent Democrats
Schiff said in a social media post he's “deeply distressed” by the
allegations, calling for Swalwell to end his gubernatorial bid.
Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who helped run Swalwell’s campaign, said
he’s immediately ending his role.
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California gubernatorial candidate, Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-CA appears
at a town hall meeting in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, April 7,
2026. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
“The congressman should leave the race now so there can be full
accountability without doubt, distraction, or delay,” Gomez said on
social media.
Powerful labor unions, including the California Service Employees
International Union and the California Teachers Association, said
they're suspending their support. The California Federation of Labor
Unions said it’s “acting urgently” on next steps.
A spokesperson for House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said the
allegations require a “serious and thorough investigation.”
Growing calls for Swalwell to drop out
Swalwell is among a handful of prominent candidates in the crowded
race to succeed Newsom, and he immediately came under pressure from
all other Democratic rivals to withdraw from the race. The party has
been mired in a messy primary season with some leaders fearing the
crowded field could cost them spot in the November general election.
The state's top-two primary system sends the two highest vote
getters onto the general election regardless of party.
Swalwell on Tuesday kicked off a planned series of campaign events
in Sacramento, where he told reporters he’s never had a sexual
relationship with a staff member or intern. He canceled the next
scheduled event in Palm Springs on Thursday.
Uncorroborated and nonspecific rumors that Swalwell behaved
inappropriately with female staffers have circulated on social media
for weeks, but the Chronicle's story is the first reported account
of someone making a direct accusation. CNN also reported that
several women accused Swalwell of sending them inappropriate sexual
messages.
He's suggested the allegations were part of an attack due to his
campaign’s momentum.
Swalwell was elected in 2012 and represents a House district east of
San Francisco. He launched a presidential run in April 2019 but
shuttered it a few months later after failing to catch on with
voters. Swalwell, who is married and has three children, is perhaps
best known nationally as a House manager in President Donald Trump’s
second impeachment trial during his first term in early 2021.
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Blood reported from Los Angeles.
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