Rep. Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor after sexual misconduct allegations and a Manhattan investigation rattled his bid. Swalwell announced the move in a post on X, writing, “I am suspending my campaign for Governor.”
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.
— Eric Swalwell (@ericswalwell) April 13, 2026
In the same post, Swalwell wrote, “To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past.” He added, “I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.”
The move came after CNN reported that four women accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including a former staffer who alleged he raped her in 2024 after she became heavily intoxicated in New York City. Swalwell has denied the allegations.
The allegations quickly shook California’s governor’s race. Sen. Adam Schiff withdrew his endorsement, major labor groups pulled support, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi called for a thorough investigation. Swalwell also canceled campaign events as pressure grew for him to step aside.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has opened an investigation tied to the New York allegation and asked anyone with relevant information to contact its Special Victims Division. Swalwell has not resigned his House seat.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Swalwell has also faced unrelated political scrutiny, including past questions tied to declassified FBI records and leak allegations.
