Swalwell, a leading Democrat in the race to replace outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom, denied the allegations as supporters moved quickly to pull back in a turbulent moment for the wide-open campaign. The statements came as rivals pressed him to exit and as the contest approached the June 2 election, with voters to receive mail ballots in advance.
The fallout accelerated after the San Francisco Chronicle reported that a woman accused Swalwell of sexually assaulting her twice, once in 2019 and again in 2024, and described her decision not to go to police because she said she feared she would not be believed. The Chronicle reported it reviewed text messages related to the 2024 allegation, spoke to people the woman told, and said the woman worked for Swalwell in 2019. The paper did not name the woman, and the Associated Press said it could not independently verify the account and identity.
Newsom said in a statement that, “As we continue to learn more, these allegations from multiple sources are deeply troubling and must be taken seriously,” while stopping short of directly endorsing Swalwell’s continued campaign. Pelosi, who has not endorsed in the gubernatorial race, said the “serious allegations” must be investigated and that it was “best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign,” adding that she said the same after discussing the issue with Swalwell.
Schiff said he was “deeply distressed” by the allegations and urged Swalwell to end his bid. Gomez, who helped run Swalwell’s campaign, said he was immediately ending his role and called for Swalwell to leave the race, saying, “The congressman should leave the race now so there can be full accountability without doubt, distraction, or delay.” California Rep. Adam Gray and Sen. Ruben Gallego also said they were withdrawing support, and Mark Ramos, who heads the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, called on Swalwell to end his campaign.
Labor unions also stepped back. The California Service Employees International Union and the California Teachers Association said they were suspending support, and the California Federation of Labor Unions said it was “acting urgently” on next steps. A spokesperson for House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said the allegations require a “serious and thorough investigation,” and Christie Stephenson said, “These brave women must be heard and respected,” adding that “It is imperative that the investigation follow the facts, apply the law and take place immediately.”
Swalwell denied the allegations and characterized them as part of an effort against his campaign. In a statement, he said, “These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,” and added that “For nearly 20 years, I have served the public — as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women.” He said, “I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action,” and said his focus in the coming days would be on his wife and children as he “defend[s] our decades of service against these lies.”
The Chronicle reported that Swalwell’s attorney, Elias Debaie, confirmed sending at least one cease-and-desist letter and called the allegations “baseless.” The AP reported that the woman’s lawyer declined to comment. The allegations were described as following earlier months of uncorroborated social media rumors about alleged inappropriate conduct toward women who worked for Swalwell, with AP reporting that the Chronicle’s story was the first direct account of a sexual assault accusation. AP also said Swalwell told reporters at a campaign event in Sacramento on Tuesday that he had never had a sexual relationship with a staff member or intern, and that CNN reported several women accused him of inappropriate sexual messages.
Swalwell had previously announced a series of campaign events across the state but canceled a scheduled event on Thursday in Palm Springs, according to AP. As pressure mounted across the field of Democrats seeking to succeed Newsom, the allegations and endorsement withdrawals put additional strain on the timing of the campaign just ahead of the mail-ballot phase for the June 2 election.