Summary (tl;dr)

U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell is facing widespread calls to withdraw from the 2026 California gubernatorial race following multiple allegations of sexual assault and misconduct by former staffers and other women.

Essential Background

Eric Swalwell is a Democratic U.S. Representative for California's 14th Congressional District and a leading candidate in the upcoming 2026 California gubernatorial election, vying to succeed term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. He previously made an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2019.

The Full Story

On April 10, 2026, the San Francisco Chronicle published a report detailing sexual assault allegations against Eric Swalwell from a former staffer. The woman claimed Swalwell sexually assaulted her on two separate occasions: once in 2019 while she was too intoxicated to consent in a hotel room, and again in 2024 following a charity gala in New York. Shortly after, CNN released its own report featuring three additional women who alleged sexual misconduct by Swalwell, including the sending of inappropriate sexual messages.

Swalwell has vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them "flat false" and asserting they are politically motivated to sabotage his gubernatorial campaign. In the wake of these reports, numerous prominent Democratic figures and organizations have withdrawn their support and called for Swalwell to immediately end his campaign. These include House Democratic leadership, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, and fellow gubernatorial candidates like Katie Porter. Several senior campaign staffers have also resigned, and key labor unions have rescinded their endorsements. Prior to the reports, Swalwell had denied rumors at a town hall in Sacramento and subsequently canceled a planned campaign event in Palm Springs.

Why It Matters

The allegations against Eric Swalwell and the subsequent calls for his withdrawal could profoundly impact the competitive 2026 California gubernatorial primary election. His potential departure from the race would significantly alter the Democratic field, potentially benefiting other candidates such as Katie Porter. This controversy also highlights critical issues of accountability for public officials and could influence voter trust and engagement in the upcoming election. The rapid exodus of support from party leaders and campaign personnel underscores the seriousness with which these accusations are being viewed within the Democratic Party.

Geographic Location

• Castro Valley, Alameda County, California, United States (location of Swalwell's district office where a former staffer worked and alleged initial incidents)
• New York, New York, United States (location of a charity gala in 2024 where another alleged sexual assault occurred)
• Sacramento, California, United States (location of a town hall where Swalwell denied allegations)
• Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States (location where House Democratic leadership called for Swalwell to drop out)
• Palm Springs, Riverside County, California, United States (location of a canceled campaign event)