LOS ANGELES (AP) — Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell’s abrupt exit from the race for California governor left his rivals scrambling to lock down his former supporters in a crowded contest with no clear leader, injecting more turmoil into the campaign to lead the nation’s most populous state.
Swalwell’s decision to suspend his campaign Sunday followed allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman twice, including when she worked for him, that were published Friday in the San Francisco Chronicle and later by CNN. While pulling out of the race he remained defiant in a post on the social platform X, stating, “I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.”
For rivals in this wide-open race, the key issue is where Swalwell’s supporters will go. He was among the most prominent Democrats, with mail ballots scheduled to be sent to voters in early May ahead of the June 2 primary election.
Katie Porter, one of the leading Democrats, remarked on social media, “Democrats can pull victory from the jaws of defeat by coalescing around Porter.” Meanwhile, billionaire hedge fund manager-turned-liberal activist Tom Steyer noted he secured the backing of Rep. Jared Huffman, a Democrat from the San Francisco Bay Area.
With seven established Democrats and two leading Republicans on a primary ballot with more than 50 candidates, the race remains fluid. Despite his suspension, Swalwell's name cannot be removed from the ballot.
“Nobody has really caught fire,” explained Democratic consultant Andrew Acosta, who is not involved in the campaign, suggesting that Swalwell’s supporters may disperse among other candidates.
Swalwell is perhaps best known nationally as a House manager in President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial during his first term in early 2021. But after news broke of the sexual misconduct allegations, Acosta noted, “I think there are probably more people who know who Eric Swalwell is than can articulate a Tom Steyer position paper.”
The 48-hour period marked a rapid turnaround for a candidate who seemed to be gaining traction in the field to replace outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom, who is barred by law from seeking a third term. Though Swalwell has denied the allegations, statements referencing personal mistakes have compounded the challenges for his campaign.
As Swalwell’s candidacy floundered, calls for him to resign echoed from fellow California Representatives, some even suggesting the rare step of expelling him from the U.S. House should he refuse to leave his position. With the House returning to session, a potential expulsion vote looms large on the horizon.
