Swalwell Faces Backlash, Allies Withdraw Support Fast

California’s gubernatorial race took a dramatic turn Friday as Representative Eric Swalwell faced serious allegations of sexual assault, triggering a swift and widespread political backlash.

Once considered a leading Democratic contender to replace outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom, Swalwell saw key endorsements vanish within hours of the accusations becoming public.

Major Allies Pull Backing

Prominent figures, including U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, withdrew their support, calling the allegations deeply concerning. Several influential labor unions also suspended their endorsements, dealing a major blow to Swalwell’s campaign momentum.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi emphasized the seriousness of the claims, stating that such matters should be investigated outside the context of an active political campaign.

Details of the Allegations

According to a report by the San Francisco Chronicle, a woman accused Swalwell of sexually assaulting her on two occasions—first in 2019 when she worked for him, and again in 2024 after a charity event.

The woman alleged she was too intoxicated to give consent in both instances. She did not report the incidents to police, citing fear of not being believed. The report referenced text messages and statements from individuals she had confided in.

Swalwell Denies Claims

Swalwell strongly denied the allegations, calling them false and politically motivated.

In a public statement, he said the accusations surfaced at a critical moment in the election and were aimed at undermining his campaign. He added that he plans to defend himself legally and focus on his family during this period.

His legal team has reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices, labeling the claims as baseless.

Growing Political Pressure

Calls for Swalwell to exit the race intensified rapidly. Several Democratic leaders and campaign allies urged him to step down to allow for an unbiased investigation.

The controversy comes at a crucial stage, with mail-in ballots set to be distributed less than a month before the June 2 election. The sudden loss of support has significantly weakened his position in an already competitive race.

Impact on the Governor Race

The unfolding situation has reshaped the dynamics of California’s governor contest. With multiple candidates in the race, Swalwell’s campaign now faces an uncertain future as political and public scrutiny continues to grow.