Swalwell Faces Fallout Over Sexual Assault Allegations

Prominent supporters withdraw backing as California governor race roiled by claims

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty political podium standing alone in a shadowy room, conveying a sense of unease and uncertainty surrounding the allegations.As allegations of sexual assault rock the California governor's race, the political fallout casts a somber shadow over the campaign trail.Today in Sacramento

In a stunning political reversal, prominent supporters of Rep. Eric Swalwell's campaign for California governor withdrew their support after the congressmember denied allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman twice, including when she worked for him. The allegations surfaced at a critical stage of the wide-open campaign to lead the nation's most populous state, threatening to cripple Swalwell's campaign less than a month before voters receive mail ballots.

Why it matters

The turmoil in the California governor's race comes at a pivotal moment, with the allegations against Swalwell potentially upending the contest to replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. Swalwell was among the leading Democrats in the race, but the exodus of support from high-profile backers like U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff and powerful labor unions could severely damage his campaign.

The details

The allegations surfaced after the San Francisco Chronicle reported that a woman said Swalwell sexually assaulted her in 2019 and 2024. The newspaper reviewed text messages about the alleged 2024 assault and spoke to people whom she had told about it. She told the newspaper she did not go to police because she was afraid she would not be believed. The woman worked for Swalwell in 2019 when the first alleged assault occurred, and the 2024 assault allegedly occurred after a charity gala. She said in both cases she was too intoxicated to consent to sex.

  • The allegations surfaced on April 11, 2026.
  • The alleged assaults occurred in 2019 and 2024.

The players

Rep. Eric Swalwell

A Democratic congressman representing a district east of San Francisco who was among the leading candidates in the race to replace outgoing California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Gavin Newsom

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

Nancy Pelosi

The former Speaker of the House who has not endorsed in the California governor's race.

Adam Schiff

A U.S. senator who withdrew his endorsement of Swalwell's campaign.

Jimmy Gomez

A Democratic congressman who helped run Swalwell's campaign but is now ending his role.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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.”

— Gavin Newsom, California Governor

“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 judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These serious allegations against a leading Democratic candidate for California governor have rocked the race, forcing Swalwell's prominent supporters to withdraw their backing and raising questions about the political fallout and the need for a thorough investigation.