Swalwell Loses Campaign Chairs, Endorsements After Sexual Assault Allegations Surface

April 10, 2026 - SAN FRANCISCO, Cal - Rep. Eric Swalwell's (D‑Calif.) campaign for California governor plunged into crisis Friday as two campaign co‑chairs, multiple endorsers, and influential organizations withdrew their support following newly reported sexual assault allegations from a former staffer.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that a woman who previously worked for Swalwell alleged he sexually assaulted her twice when she was too intoxicated to consent. The Hill and other outlets noted they have not independently verified the claims. Swalwell denied the allegations, calling them "false" and asserting they surfaced "on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor."

Rapid Collapse of Campaign Leadership

Within hours of the Chronicle's report, Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D‑Calif.) resigned as co‑chair of Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign, urging the congressman to "leave the race now so there can be full accountability without doubt, distraction or delay." Rep. Adam Gray (D‑Calif.), the campaign's other co‑chair, also withdrew his support and publicly encouraged Swalwell to end his bid.

Several top staffers reportedly resigned shortly before publication of the allegations, signaling internal turmoil as the story broke.

Endorsements Withdrawn Across Democratic Leadership

The fallout extended quickly to prominent Democratic figures. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the allegations "must be respected and heard," calling for a transparent investigation and noting that such a process is "best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign."

Sen. Adam Schiff (D‑Calif.), once a key supporter, said he was "deeply distressed" by the allegations and withdrew his endorsement, adding that he believed Swalwell should exit the race. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D‑Ariz.) also rescinded his endorsement, describing the allegations as "indefensible."

Top House Democratic leaders - Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar - issued a joint statement calling the accusations "incredibly disturbing" and urging Swalwell to end his campaign.

Organizations Suspend Support

Major interest groups also distanced themselves. The California Teachers Association announced it was "immediately suspending" its support, calling the allegations "incredibly disturbing and unacceptable." The California Medical Association convened an emergency board meeting after the report, signaling potential reevaluation of its significant financial backing.

A pro‑Swalwell expenditure committee also said it would cease operations.

Swalwell's Response

Swalwell has repeatedly denied the allegations, calling them "flat false" and asserting that they "have never happened." In a video statement, he said he would "fight them with everything that I have," while acknowledging past "mistakes in judgment" unrelated to the accusations. He emphasized his career as a prosecutor who worked on behalf of sexual assault victims.

He has not indicated whether he will remain in the race.

A Campaign in Freefall

What had been a competitive gubernatorial bid is now in jeopardy as calls for Swalwell's withdrawal intensify. California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks described the allegations as "deeply disturbing" and reiterated his call for all candidates to assess the viability of their campaigns - a pointed signal that Swalwell may no longer be considered a viable contender.

With endorsements evaporating, staff departing, and party leaders urging him to step aside, Swalwell's political future remains uncertain as the investigation and public scrutiny continue.