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Politics
Apr 13, 2026

Sexual Assault Allegations Threaten Eric Swalwell’s Lead in California Governor Race, Prompt Calls for Withdrawal and Congressional Expulsion

AI Summary
Allegations of sexual assault against Rep. Eric Swalwell have destabilized his frontrunner status in California’s gubernatorial contest, leading prominent Democrats to demand his withdrawal and sparking bipartisan calls for his possible expulsion from Congress.

Reports of sexual assault allegations against U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell have sent shockwaves through the California gubernatorial race, where recent polls showed him leading a crowded Democratic field seeking to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom.

During televised interviews on Sunday, several high‑profile Democratic lawmakers urged Swalwell to drop out of the race and resign from Congress after CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle published accounts from a former staffer and other women alleging misconduct.

“What he did is sick and disgusting,” Congressman Ro Khanna told Fox News Sunday, calling for investigations by law‑enforcement and the U.S. House of Representatives.

Swalwell has categorically denied the claims as “absolutely false” and indicated no intention to leave the gubernatorial contest. A March poll conducted by Emerson College had him ahead of both Democratic and Republican challengers by several points, underscoring the political stakes.

In the wake of the allegations, powerful figures and organizations have begun revoking endorsements, and the Manhattan District Attorney’s office confirmed an active investigation on Saturday.

Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna announced she will file a motion to initiate expulsion proceedings against Swalwell, a step some Democrats say they could support.

“This is not a partisan issue,” Representative Pramila Jayapal remarked, emphasizing that the matter “cuts across party lines” and reflects broader concerns about the treatment of women.

Democrats have also called for the expulsion of Republican Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas, who faces separate sexual‑misconduct allegations. Both Ro Khanna and Republican Representative Byron Donalds indicated they could back a bid to eject Gonzales and Swalwell from Congress, with Donalds stating, “As far as I’m concerned, both gentlemen need to go home.”

California gubernatorial candidate, Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-CA, appears at a town hall meeting in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, April 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

California gubernatorial candidate, US Representative Eric Swalwell, appears at a town hall meeting in Sacramento, California, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 (Rich Pedroncelli/AP Photo)