Rep. Swalwell Faces Sexual Assault Allegations, Loses Support in Governor Race
California Rep. Eric Swalwell denies sexual assault allegations from former staffer as supporters withdraw endorsements from his gubernatorial campaign.

California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell is facing mounting pressure to withdraw from the state's gubernatorial race following sexual assault allegations published Friday by The San Francisco Chronicle. A former staff member alleged that Swalwell sexually assaulted her on two separate occasions when she was too intoxicated to consent.
The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, worked for Swalwell and detailed her allegations in an account published by the Chronicle. Additional allegations of sexual misconduct involving other women have also emerged, according to multiple reports.
Swalwell has categorically denied the allegations. The congressman, who has served California's 15th district since 2013, launched his gubernatorial campaign as part of a crowded Democratic field seeking to succeed current leadership.
The allegations have triggered immediate political fallout. Two co-chairs of Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign resigned Friday, and several key endorsements have been withdrawn. Democratic colleagues, including former allies, have called for him to drop out of the race.
Several campaign officials have also quit in response to the allegations. The departures represent a significant blow to Swalwell's gubernatorial ambitions and mark a sharp reversal for the congressman, who had been building support for his statewide bid.
The allegations add Swalwell to a growing list of politicians who have faced sexual misconduct accusations in recent years. The timing, coming as California's gubernatorial race is taking shape, has intensified scrutiny on his candidacy and prompted swift responses from within his own party.