Fellow Democrats Urge Swalwell to Quit California Governor's Race and Resign from Congress

Allegations of sexual assault against the congressman have led to growing calls for him to withdraw from the race and step down from his House seat.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:52pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic government office or legislative chamber, with warm sunlight streaming in through the windows and deep shadows enveloping the space, creating a sense of tension and uncertainty around the allegations against the politician.The allegations against Congressman Swalwell have cast a somber shadow over California's political landscape, raising questions about accountability and the treatment of women in positions of power.Today in Sacramento

Fellow Democrats are abandoning Eric Swalwell's campaign for California governor in droves after allegations surfaced that he sexually assaulted a former staffer. A growing number are urging the congressman both to quit the race and resign his seat in Congress.

Why it matters

The allegations against Swalwell, a leading contender in the race for California governor, have sparked a major political crisis for the Democratic Party in the state. The calls for his resignation cut across party lines, highlighting the seriousness of the accusations and the potential damage to the party's reputation.

The details

The allegations surfaced after Swalwell became a leading contender in the race for California governor to replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. Over the weekend, with Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign already teetering, Democrats in Congress began to call for his resignation from the House. Some even said they would support the rare step of expelling him should he refuse to step aside.

  • The alleged 2024 incident occurred in New York, and the Manhattan District Attorney's Office said Saturday that it was investigating.
  • The House is returning to session on Tuesday, and the question of whether to expel Swalwell could come to a head quickly.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A California congressman who was running for governor before the allegations surfaced.

Jared Huffman

A California congressman who has called for Swalwell to resign.

Ro Khanna

A California congressman who has indicated support for congressional action against Swalwell and another lawmaker accused of misconduct.

Sam Liccardo

A California congressman who has called for Swalwell to resign.

Teresa Leger Fernández

A New Mexico congresswoman who has said she would vote to expel Swalwell from the House.

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What they’re saying

“This is not a partisan issue. This cuts across party lines. And it is depravity of the way that women have been treated.”

— Pramila Jayapal, Congresswoman from Washington state

“Anyone who abuses young girls and staffers should not be in the United States Congress.”

— Ro Khanna, Congressman from California

What’s next

With the House returning to session on Tuesday, the question of whether to expel Swalwell could come to a head quickly. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., said she would be filing a motion to start the process.

The takeaway

The allegations against Swalwell have created a major crisis for the Democratic Party in California, with fellow Democrats across the state and country calling for his resignation from Congress and withdrawal from the governor's race. The situation highlights the growing scrutiny on elected officials accused of misconduct and the party's struggle to address such issues.