California Democratic leaders, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Adam Schiff, have withdrawn their endorsements from Rep. Eric Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign following bombshell sexual assault allegations published by the San Francisco Chronicle.
The alleged victim, a former staffer, publicly shared her story for the first time, accusing Swalwell of sexual assault while she was intoxicated, pressuring her to send nude photos, exposing himself in a car, and requesting oral sex. The woman said the incidents affected her professional treatment by the congressman.
Swalwell has denied the allegations through his lawyer, who sent cease and desist letters Thursday. The congressman's campaign website displayed an error page for endorsements after the report surfaced.
What the Right Is Saying
National Republican officials and conservative commentators have seized on the allegations to attack the Democratic Party's credibility on women's issues and accountability. The Republican National Committee issued a statement calling the allegations "deeply disturbing" and questioning how top California Democrats could have endorsed Swalwell in the first place.
Conservative media figures noted that this is not the first time Swalwell has faced scrutiny over his conduct. Republican-aligned commentators have highlighted previous questions about Swalwell's judgment, arguing the allegations fit a pattern of behavior that should have been known to party leaders.
GOP strategists have argued that the Democratic Party's immediate distance from Swalwell demonstrates they apply different standards to allegations depending on the politician involved, pointing to past controversies involving other Democrats that they say received different treatment.
What the Left Is Saying
Pelosi, in a statement to media outlets, said: "The young woman who has made these serious allegations against Congressman Swalwell must be respected and heard. As I discussed with Swalwell, it is clear that is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign."
Sen. Schiff said: "I have read the San Francisco Chronicle's account, and I am deeply distressed by its allegations. This woman was brave to come forward, and we should take her story seriously. I am withdrawing my endorsement immediately and believe that he should withdraw from the race."
California Democratic Party Chairman Rusty Hicks issued a statement saying: "First, the stories of victims and survivors should be heard and believed. Period. Second, any person engaged in misconduct must take responsibility and be held accountable for their actions." Hicks called for all gubernatorial candidates to "honestly assess the viability of their candidacy."
Fellow Democratic candidate Matt Mahan said: "To the survivor who risked everything to come forward – I believe you. To the Democratic Party – you'd better hold him accountable. If we don't, we have no credibility asking anyone else to do the same."
Sen. Ruben Gallego, who previously defended Swalwell on social media, changed his position after the Chronicle report: "What is described is indefensible. Women who come forward with accounts like this deserve to be heard with respect, not questioned or dismissed. I regret having come to his defense on social media prior to knowing all the information."
The California Teachers Association announced it was "immediately suspending our support" for Swalwell, with plans for the elected board to determine next steps.
What the Numbers Show
Swalwell is one of several candidates competing in California's 2026 gubernatorial race to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom. Prior to the allegations, polls showed Swalwell as a leading candidate among Democrats.
The San Francisco Chronicle report detailed specific allegations spanning multiple incidents, including the staffer waking up naked in Swalwell's hotel bed with signs of intercourse after blacking out from alcohol consumption.
Swalwell's campaign has faced other controversy this cycle, including questions about a $25,000 donation from a lawyer with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, which prompted criticism from campaign finance watchdogs.
The California Teachers Association represents over 300,000 educators and is one of the state's most influential political organizations. Its suspension of support represents a significant blow to Swalwell's campaign infrastructure.
The Bottom Line
The sexual assault allegations have created a crisis for Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign, with top California Democrats unanimously calling on him to withdraw. The former congresswoman's staffer's allegations, if proven true, could result in criminal liability and end his political career.
Swalwell continues to deny the allegations through legal representation. His lawyer sent cease and desist letters prior to the Chronicle's publication, though the newspaper stood by its reporting.
What remains unclear is whether additional alleged victims will come forward and whether federal or state investigators will pursue the matter independently. The California Democratic Party faces pressure to enforce accountability as the primary season approaches, with other candidates likely to capitalize on the controversy.
The next several days will be critical as Swalwell decides whether to continue his campaign amid mounting party opposition and potential legal exposure.