The frontrunner for California’s governorship, Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA), is fighting for his political survival this weekend after a wave of sexual assault and misconduct allegations led to a criminal inquiry and a mass withdrawal of support from his own party.
The scandal broke on April 11, 2026, when the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN reported accounts from multiple women. One former staffer alleged that Swalwell assaulted her in a hotel room in 2024 while she was intoxicated.
Other women have since come forward, describing unsolicited explicit messages and inappropriate advances that occurred long after their professional relationships with the congressman had ended.
In a video statement released Friday night, Swalwell vehemently denied the claims, calling them “flat false” and “politically timed” to derail his gubernatorial bid. “These allegations are lies,” Swalwell said. “I will defend myself with the facts and, where necessary, bring legal action.” Despite the pressure, he indicated he has no immediate plans to end his campaign or resign from Congress.
The legal fallout was immediate.
READ: Florida Rep. Luna Moves To Oust Swalwell As Misconduct Scandal Rocks The House
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office announced on Saturday that it has launched a formal probe into the 2024 hotel incident, which reportedly took place within its jurisdiction. Prosecutors have urged anyone with relevant information to contact their Special Victims Division.
The political response has been equally swift. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, alongside Representative Adam Schiff and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have publicly called for Swalwell to withdraw from the governor’s race.
Representative Jimmy Gomez, who served as Swalwell’s campaign chair, resigned his position on Friday, stating he could no longer remain in the role “in good conscience.”
On the other side of the aisle, Republican lawmakers are moving to escalate the consequences. Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) announced plans to introduce a resolution to expel Swalwell from Congress, citing the severity of the criminal allegations.
Prior to these reports, Swalwell had been leading the polls in a crowded Democratic field to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom. As of Saturday evening, his campaign website had been taken offline, and several top consultants confirmed they have resigned from his staff.
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