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California Rep. Eric Swalwell denies former staffer's accusation of sexual assault amid growing calls to drop governor bid

Swalwell suspended his gubernatorial campaign after sexual assault allegations surfaced, which he denies.

California Rep. Eric Swalwell denies former staffer's accusation of sexual assault amid growing calls to drop governor bid
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This article1 analysis · Oct 8, 2026
ABC News
Apr 10, 2026
tl;dr

Rep. Eric Swalwell suspended his California gubernatorial campaign after a former staffer accused him of sexual assault, which he denies. The House Ethics Committee opened an investigation, while fellow Democrats and other candidates called for him to leave the race.

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Eric Swalwell Former U.S. Representative (D-CA)
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Eric Swalwell
Former U.S. Representative (D-CA)

California representative and gubernatorial candidate who suspended his campaign amid sexual assault allegations

PRIMARY SUBJECT

Virginia representative who called for Swalwell to resign and leave the race

Katie Porter
Former U.S. Representative (D-CA)

Former representative and California gubernatorial candidate who expressed support for the alleged victim

Adam B. Schiff
D · CA · SEN

California senator who withdrew his endorsement and called on Swalwell to withdraw

House Minority Leader who called for Swalwell to end his campaign

Nancy Pelosi
D · CA-11

Former House Speaker who called for an investigation outside Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign

Pete Aguilar
D · CA-33

House Democratic Caucus Chair who joined the call for Swalwell to end his campaign

House Democratic Whip who joined the call for Swalwell to end his campaign

Jimmy Gomez
D · CA-34

California representative and former chair of Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign

Ro Khanna
D · CA-17

California representative who condemned the allegations

Ruben Gallego
D · AZ · SEN

Arizona senator who withdrew his endorsement of Swalwell

Florida representative who said she planned to seek a vote to expel Swalwell

ALSO MENTIONED  Betty Yee, Former California state controller and gubernatorial candidate who called on Swalwell to drop out; Matt Mahan, San Jose mayor and California gubernatorial candidate who called on Swalwell to drop out; Terry McAuliffe, Former Virginia governor whose gubernatorial campaign is mentioned as context; Tom Steyer, California gubernatorial candidate who expressed support for the alleged victim; Tony Thurmond, California superintendent of public instruction and gubernatorial candidate who called on Swalwell to drop out

Part of a bigger story

37 OUTLETS
Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against Eric Swalwell

Outlets report that a former staffer and other women accused Eric Swalwell of sexual misconduct, which he denies. The allegations prompted calls for him to leave California’s governor’s race and withdrawals of campaign support. Center outlets emphasize the allegations, accusers’ accounts and reported corroboration alongside Swalwell’s denials and official responses. Right-leaning outlets emphasize campaign departures, lost support and political damage, with some using more charged language.

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