By Caitlin Yilek
Updated April 12, 2026 / 9:16 PM EDT
CBS News
Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell announced Sunday that he is suspending his campaign for California governor as he confronts growing pressure following allegations of sexual assault. In a message on social media, Swalwell said he was ending the campaign and apologized to family, staff, friends and supporters for “mistakes in judgment” from his past, adding that he would fight what he called “serious, false allegations” on his own rather than as part of a campaign.
The move comes after a former Swalwell staffer told the San Francisco Chronicle that he sexually assaulted her twice when she was too intoxicated to consent and alleged other misconduct. Swalwell has denied the accusations, termed them false and politically motivated, and said he may pursue legal action against the unnamed accuser.
Democratic leaders and many former backers quickly urged Swalwell to drop out. House Democratic leaders — including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar — said the allegations are unacceptable and must be taken seriously, and they urged him to end his campaign. California’s Democratic senators, Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, also called for Swalwell to withdraw, with Schiff saying he was deeply distressed by the claims. Dozens of former Swalwell staffers signed a letter over the weekend asking him both to leave the race and to resign from Congress, expressing unequivocal support for the staffer who came forward.
Swalwell now faces the possibility of an expulsion vote in the House. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican from Florida, announced plans to force a vote to expel Swalwell over the allegations, with a vote potentially scheduled as soon as midweek.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office confirmed it is investigating the accusations and asked anyone with information or survivors to contact investigators. The office said its specially trained prosecutors, investigators and counselors are prepared to handle reports in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered way.
Swalwell had previously attracted endorsements from prominent California Democrats, but many withdrew their support as the allegations became public. He has maintained his denial while stepping away from the governor’s race amid mounting calls from colleagues and former staffers for accountability.