Eric Swalwell has suspended his campaign for Governor of California amid claims he sexually assaulted and harassed at least four women.
“I am suspending my campaign for Governor,” the politician, 45, announced via X on Sunday, April 12. “To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past.”
The post continued, “I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.”
The post was shared just hours after one of four women who have formally accused the congressman of misconduct spoke out publicly.
Eric Swalwell Releases Video Amid Additional Sexual Assault Allegations
Ally Sammarco, the only woman who revealed her identity, wrote via an X post of her own on Sunday, “This has not been easy for me or the other women. I have so much respect for them for telling their stories.”
Sammarco continued, “I shared mine publicly because I have a platform and resources that others may not — and I wanted to help validate their experiences. None of this is our fault. This is about abuse of power. No one paid us to come forward.”
Per a CNN investigation that brought all allegations to light, Sammarco accused Swalwell of offering to “share her resume” with congressional offices before allegedly sending “very inappropriate” messages via Snapchat “insinuating we should get together and hook up.”
Four women have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct and harassment. CNN first reported on Friday, April 10, that all four women allegedly had encounters with the politician, ranging from inappropriate messages to rape.
What to Know About Eric Swalwell’s Misconduct Scandal and Investigation
Swalwell was the frontrunner in the gubernatorial race at the time of the public allegations. Prior to his formal withdrawal, numerous prominent members of the Democratic party called for him to end his campaign.
“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,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a joint statement alongside Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar.
“This is unacceptable of anyone — certainly not an elected official — and must be taken seriously,” the statement continued. “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.”
Us Weekly has reached out to Swalwell’s communications director for comment.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). https://www.rainn.org/
