Eric Swalwell Suspends Campaign for Governor

On Sunday, Eric Swalwell announced he was suspending his campaign for Governor and said he will continue to fight the serious and false allegations.

He took to social media with the following statement:

I am suspending my campaign for Governor. To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.

After Allegations, Swalwell Urged to Resign and Drop Out from Governors Race

After allegations came out against Congressman Eric Swalwell, who is running for Governor of California, many have withdrawn endorsements and called for him to both drop out of the race.

Others, have called on him to resign from congress altogether.

News broke Friday that a former congressional staffer accused Swalwell of sexually assaulting her on multiple occasions, saying she was too intoxicated to consent. Other women, at least three, have come forward with claims of sexual behavior—which include Swalwell sending text messages and photographs.

Swalwell denies the claims stating they are “flat false and I will fight them”.

Stories:

• SF Chronicle: Ex-staffer says Eric Swalwell, candidate for California governor, sexually assaulted her
• CNN: Exclusive: Four women describe sexual misconduct by Rep. Eric Swalwell, including a former staffer who says he raped her
• Politico: Swalwell campaign imploding after new sexual assault allegation

Swalwell Urged to Drop Out

Former US Rep Katie Porter

In light of the allegations of sexual assault, Eric Swalwell should resign from Congress and end his campaign for public office. But those decisions do not absolve him of taking responsibility for his misconduct, especially when he has attempted to silence and retaliate against these victims. These allegations merit full investigations, and these women deserve the right to pursue justice. To often, men escape any consequence for sexual misconduct by stepping out of power. This is a first and necessary step towards justice because it limits the ability for further harm. I stand with these women as they seek justice.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond

After these horrible allegations, it’s time for Eric Swalwell to drop out of the Governor’s race and Congressman Eric Swalwell needs to resign from Congress.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan

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.  To @ericswalwell – drop out.

Betty T. Yee

The accusations outlined against  @ericswalwell are sickening. He needs to withdraw from the governor’s race and resign from Congress immediately. Let the women speak.

Tom Steyer

My heart breaks for the women who were sexually abused by Eric Swalwell. They were failed by a political system designed to silence victims and protect power. Thank you for your courage stepping forward. Eric Swalwell should be nowhere near any position of power, much less be the governor of California. He must resign from Congress and drop out of the race immediately.

Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

Now that victims are finally being heard, it has become abundantly clear that Eric Swalwell must withdraw from the governor’s race and immediately resign from Congress. I’m calling on him to live by the words that he has repeatedly professed, and encourage all victims to come forward to speak freely without fear of threats or legal retribution from Mr. Swalwell so that he can face accountability for his alleged actions. In California, WE BELIEVE WOMEN AND NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW.

Steve Hilton

“It’s incredible to me that Eric Swalwell thought he could run for Governor of California while all this was going on.

“It shows the complete contempt these career politicians have for the public.

“It’s also incredible that the big unions that run California picked Swalwell as their puppet, knowing full well that all this was out there.

“For all their endless lectures on gender equality and their ‘values,’ it’s obvious that today’s California Democratic Party doesn’t care about them at all, except for its own power.

“They have become a corrupt, failing embarrassment, collapsing into chaos, sleaze, and scandal.

“That’s why we will defeat them in November.” – Steve Hilton

Sheriff Chad Bianco

This man will never be governor. He shouldn’t be in Congress either. Eric Swalwell’s time is up. I’ve put away sexual predators for 30 years. I’m not letting one in the governors mansion.

HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP STATEMENT ON ACCUSATIONS AGAINST REP. ERIC SWALWELL 

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued the following statement:

“Following the incredibly disturbing sexual assault accusations against Congressman Eric Swalwell, we call for a swift investigation into these incidents and for the Congressman to immediately end his campaign to be California’s next Governor.  This is unacceptable of anyone — certainly not an elected official — and must be taken seriously. We commend the courageous women for sharing their experiences. In this and all circumstances, we must ensure that those who come forward with allegations of sexual assault and harassment are heard and respected.  All perpetrators of sexual assault and harassment must be held accountable.”

Endorsements Pulled

Rep Adam Schiff:

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.

Rep Mike Thompson:

These allegations are disturbing. I am withdrawing my support of his campaign. We need to ensure that victims are supported and protected.

Rep. Ted Lieu:

In light of the recent allegations against Representative Eric Swalwell, I am withdrawing my endorsement of his campaign for Governor.

Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis

Californians deserve leaders who meet the highest standards of integrity. The allegations against Congressman Eric Swalwell are deeply troubling, and I commend the women who have come forward for their courage. For the good of the state, I believe he should withdraw from the race for California Governor.

Assemlymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan

The recent reporting on allegations of sexual assault by Congressman Swalwell are deeply disturbing and deserve to be taken seriously. This is criminal behavior and is definitely disqualifying for a leader of our great state. With that in mind, I am withdrawing my endorsement of Eric Swalwell for Governor and he should end his campaign immediately. Californians deserve leaders they can trust.

California Teachers Association took to social media:

CTA’s democratically elected board has voted unanimously to rescind our endorsement of Representative Eric Swalwell in his campaign for Governor of California. We withdraw all support.

CTA’s democratically elected board has voted unanimously o rescind our endorsement of Representative Eric Swalwell in his campaign for Governor of California. We Withdraw all support. The disturbing allegations by multiple women cannot be ignored. Our union is proud to take action in solidarity with women who are victims of sexual violence today, and always. In the coming days, our union will determine in our democratic process any next steps we will take regarding the gubernational election.

California Labor Federation Statement:

We are shocked by the allegations against Rep. Swalwell. Our Federation is acting urgently to follow our constitutionally prescribed democratic process to determine next steps

SEIU CA has suspended our campaign activities and expenditures following extremely troubling allegations of sexual misconduct by Eric Swalwell. Our leaders will be meeting and will proceed on next steps through the democratic process laid out in our bylaws.

California Medical Association

The California Medical Association takes the allegations against Eric Swalwell extremely seriously. We have convened an emergency meeting of our board.

Sunday, McNerney & Garamendi Issue Statements

Rep. John Garamendi

Swalwell must step out of the governor’s race immediately. We can’t allow someone facing such serious accusations to continue seeking this office. The integrity of the position matters too much. We have other strong, qualified candidates ready to move forward and serve with the trust that Californians deserve.

State Senator Jerry McNerney

As a constituent, former colleague of Mr. Swalwell, and most importantly as a husband, father and grandfather, I believe those who have come forward must be heard, respected, and taken seriously. I am deeply troubled by these allegations and must insist he immediately withdraw from the race for Governor so that a proper and transparent investigation can take place, and that he accept any sanctions that are warranted.

Back in November, Congressman Eric Swalwell Announces Campaign for Governor of California pledging to “be a fighter and protector” for California and focus on affordability, economic growth, and modernizing state government so it works better for everyone.