Congressman Eric Swalwell, one of the leading contenders to become California’s next governor, forcefully denied allegations of sexual assault on Friday night as pressure grew for him to leave the race.
The California Democrat is facing escalating calls to withdraw from the campaign from prominent supporters, rivals and colleagues in Congress. Some former allies have already pulled their support following accusations reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN.
In a video statement shared on his Instagram account and posted by his official congressional account on X, Swalwell said he would fight the allegations with “everything I have”.
The developments add a major new complication to Swalwell’s campaign, which had positioned him as a leading candidate in the contest for California governor. The allegations have prompted swift fallout among political allies, underscoring the seriousness of the claims and the growing pressure surrounding his candidacy.
Swalwell’s denial came as calls for him to step aside intensified through the evening. The situation has now become a central issue in the race, with his response likely to shape both his political future and the broader dynamics of the campaign.
Further reactions from Democratic figures and other political observers are expected as the fallout continues. For now, Swalwell has made clear that he intends to remain in the race and contest the accusations directly.
Background
Swalwell is a Democratic congressman from California and a high-profile figure in national politics. His bid for governor had already drawn significant attention, and the allegations now threaten to dominate coverage of the campaign.
The reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN triggered the latest wave of scrutiny, with former supporters among those reassessing their backing. The controversy is developing against the backdrop of an increasingly competitive governor’s race in California.
