Prominent Democrats Withdraw Support for Swalwell's California Governor Bid After Assault Allegations

Congressmember denies claims of sexual assault, but faces growing calls to exit race

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:22am

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A solitary figure, likely a politician, standing alone in a dimly lit urban setting, with warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows creating a contemplative, cinematic mood.The withdrawal of support from prominent Democrats underscores the gravity of the sexual assault allegations against Swalwell and the potential impact on the California governor's race.Today in Sacramento

In a stunning political reversal, prominent Democratic supporters of Rep. Eric Swalwell's campaign for California governor have withdrawn their endorsements after a woman accused the congressman of sexually assaulting her in 2019 and 2024. Swalwell has denied the allegations, calling them "false" and part of an attack due to his campaign's momentum. However, the exodus of support, including from U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff and powerful labor unions, threatens to cripple Swalwell's bid for governor less than a month before voters receive mail ballots.

Why it matters

The allegations against Swalwell come at a critical stage in the wide-open race to replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. Swalwell was considered a leading contender, and the withdrawal of support from prominent Democrats could significantly damage his campaign and chances of becoming the next governor of California.

The details

According to a report in the San Francisco Chronicle, a woman who previously worked for Swalwell in 2019 said he sexually assaulted her that year and again in 2024 after a charity gala. The woman told the newspaper she was too intoxicated to consent to sex in both instances. Swalwell has denied the allegations and suggested they were part of an attack due to his campaign's momentum. The woman received a cease-and-desist letter from Swalwell's attorney, who called the claims "baseless."

  • The alleged 2019 assault occurred when the woman worked for Swalwell.
  • The alleged 2024 assault occurred after a charity gala.

The players

Rep. Eric Swalwell

A Democratic congressman from California who was running for governor before the sexual assault allegations surfaced.

Gavin Newsom

The outgoing Democratic governor of California, who has avoided engaging in the contest to replace him.

Nancy Pelosi

The former Democratic Speaker of the House, who has not endorsed in the California governor's race but said the "serious allegations" against Swalwell must be investigated.

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What they’re saying

“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor. For nearly 20 years, I have served the public — as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women. I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action. My focus in the coming days is to be with my wife and children and defend our decades of service against these lies.”

— Rep. Eric Swalwell

“As we continue to learn more, these allegations from multiple sources are deeply troubling and must be taken seriously.”

— Gov. Gavin Newsom

“As I discussed with Congressman Swalwell, it is clear that is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”

— Nancy Pelosi, Former House Speaker

What’s next

The woman's lawyer declined to comment, and the Associated Press has not been able to independently verify her account and identity. Swalwell's attorney has sent the woman a cease-and-desist letter, calling the allegations "baseless."

The takeaway

The withdrawal of support from prominent Democrats highlights the serious nature of the allegations against Swalwell and the potential damage they could do to his gubernatorial campaign. The race to replace Newsom has now been upended, with Swalwell facing growing calls to exit the contest.