Rep. Eric Swalwell Suspends California Governor Bid, Resigns Amid Misconduct Claims

Swalwell's exit could reshape the crowded Democratic field and impact the state's 'jungle primary'.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:21pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government office or legislative chamber, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows cast across the room, creating a sense of uncertainty and transition.The sudden departure of a prominent Democratic candidate leaves an air of political unease and opportunity in the race to lead the Golden State.Bakersfield Today

East Bay Rep. Eric Swalwell has suspended his campaign for California governor and resigned from Congress amid mounting political fallout following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Swalwell had been gaining momentum in the race to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, but the allegations brought his campaign to a sudden halt.

Why it matters

Swalwell's departure creates an opening in the crowded Democratic field for California's governor race, which uses a 'jungle primary' system where the top two vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party. This could impact the dynamics of the race and the likelihood of a Republican and Democrat facing off in the general.

The details

In a statement posted to X, Swalwell addressed the controversy, saying in part, 'I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.' Political strategist Matt Klink said Swalwell's exit could prompt his supporters to reconsider their options, and that it could also help reduce the risk of vote-splitting that could allow two Republicans to advance to the general election.

  • On April 14, 2026, Rep. Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor and resigned from Congress.

The players

Rep. Eric Swalwell

A Democratic congressman from California's East Bay region who had been running for governor before suspending his campaign and resigning from Congress amid misconduct allegations.

Matt Klink

A political strategist and owner/president of Klink Campaigns, who provided analysis on the implications of Swalwell's exit from the California governor's race.

Gov. Gavin Newsom

The current governor of California, whose seat Swalwell had been running to succeed.

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What they’re saying

“I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.”

— Rep. Eric Swalwell

“These voters are going to have the time to reassess where they're going to go and every Democrat campaign out there is trying to identify who those voters are and how they can attract them to their campaign.”

— Matt Klink, Political strategist and owner/president of Klink Campaigns

“With Swalwell's exit and likely the departure of some others that have no shot of winning in June it's going to concentrate the vote, and you'll have the likelihood of a Republican and a Democrat.”

— Matt Klink, Political strategist and owner/president of Klink Campaigns

What’s next

The California Democratic Party will need to determine how Swalwell's departure impacts the crowded governor's race, and which candidates may benefit from his supporters reconsidering their options.

The takeaway

Swalwell's exit from the California governor's race highlights the potential for political fallout from misconduct allegations, and could reshape the dynamics of the state's unique 'jungle primary' system where the top two vote-getters advance regardless of party.