California governor candidate quits race following sexual assault allegations

A Democratic representative running for California governor has dropped out of the race following sexual assault allegations he denies.

Eric Swalwell announced the decision to end his campaign on Sunday, two days after allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman in 2019, when she worked for him, and again in 2024, were published in the San Francisco Chronicle and later by CNN.

The woman said she did not go to police at the time of the alleged assaults because she was afraid she would not be believed. She told the Chronicle that she was too intoxicated to consent to sex in both instances. CNN also spoke to several other women who accused Mr Swalwell of other sexual misconduct.

The alleged sexual assault in 2024 happened in New York, and the Manhattan District Attorney's Office said it is investigating.

Mr Swalwell denies the allegations.

As he pulled out of the race, he said in a social media post: "I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made - but that's my fight, not a campaign's."

The congressman was considered a favourite in the race to replace outgoing California governor Gavin Newsom, who is barred by law from seeking a third term.

Supporters including US Senator Adam Schiff withdrew their backing for Mr Swalwell after the allegations were published and called for his exit from the race.

Mr Newsom, who is considered a likely candidate to run in the 2028 presidential election, said in a statement: "As we continue to learn more, these allegations from multiple sources are deeply troubling and must be taken seriously."

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Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who hasn't endorsed anyone in the race, said the "serious allegations" must be investigated and that she spoke to Mr Swalwell to suggest doing so "outside of a gubernatorial campaign".

Mr Swalwell, who is originally from Iowa, was elected to the House of Representatives for the district east of San Francisco in 2012. He launched a presential campaign in April 2019 but stopped a few months later after failing to gain momentum with voters.

(c) Sky News 2026: California governor candidate quits race following sexual assault allegations