How Eric Swalwell’s implosion changes the race for governor
By Jon Fleischman
Published on April 12, 2026.
California Congressman Eric Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign was severely impacted by allegations of sexual assault by a former staffer who claimed he twice sexually assaulted her while he was her boss. The allegations were reported in the San Francisco Chronicle and have since led to several other former staffers coming forward with similar allegations. His campaign co-chairs, Democratic Reps. Jimmy Gomez and Adam Gray, called on him to leave the race and demanded a swift House investigation. Other Democratic politicians, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, US Sen. Adam Schiff, US Senator Ruben Gallego, and the California Teachers Association also withdrew their endorsements. This move could potentially impact the governor's race, as Swalway's voters are now considered vulnerable due to the allegations. The bigger question is whether the implosion of this type of political incident will impact the race for governor.
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