LOS ANGELES — Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) announced Sunday that he is suspending his campaign for California governor, abruptly ending a bid that had positioned him as the early Democratic frontrunner in the 2026 race.
In a statement posted on X, Swalwell cited “mistakes in judgment” from his past while denying the most serious accusations against him. “I am suspending my campaign for Governor,” he wrote. “To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past.”
The decision came just days after explosive allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced. A former aide accused Swalwell of sexually assaulting her on two occasions, including once while she worked for him, according to reports published Friday by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN. Three other women also came forward with claims of unwanted sexual advances and lewd text messages.
The accusations triggered a rapid collapse of Swalwell’s campaign. Multiple staffers resigned, prominent California Democrats urged him to exit the race, and party leaders distanced themselves. A criminal inquiry into the matter has reportedly been launched, and bipartisan calls are growing for Swalwell to resign his congressional seat.
Swalwell Caught With Adult Actress: https://twitter.com/ANTHONYBLOGAN/status/2043709439413252227
Swalwell, who has represented California’s 14th Congressional District since 2013, had entered the governor’s race as a high-profile contender with strong name recognition from his time on the House Intelligence Committee and his past presidential bid. Recent polling had shown him leading the Democratic primary field ahead of the June 2026 vote.
His sudden exit leaves the crowded race wide open. Democratic rivals are now scrambling to consolidate support from Swalwell’s former backers in what is already shaping up to be one of California’s most unpredictable gubernatorial contests in years.
Swalwell has not indicated whether he will seek reelection to Congress in 2026. As of Monday morning, no further statement had been released regarding his future plans.
SOURCES:
Swalwell exit leaves California governor’s race in disarray | AP News
Eric Swalwell quits California governor race after sexual assault allegations | California | The Guardian
Eric Swalwell drops bid for California governor after sexual misconduct allegations
Republicans break with Trump in California governor’s race – POLITICO
Trump Attacks Pope Leo, Swalwell Drops Out Of California Governor’s Race: Live Updates | HuffPost Latest News
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