Eric Swalwell Drops Out Of CA Governors’ Race Amidst Scandal

Photo from Unsplash | The California governor's race continues to get more complicated as Swalwell leaves the race.

In a series of events that surprised not just the people but also the American government, U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell officially resigned from Congress on Apr. 14, 2026. This resignation came after a tumultuous week that saw the six-term congressman facing severe allegations of misconduct, namely numerous sexual assault charges.

On April 12, Swalwell suspended his campaign for Governor of California. Before these charges, he was considered to be the Democratic frontrunner to succeed the current administration under Gavin Newsom. However, his campaign became undependable following investigative reports that were published in the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN. These reports described allegations from four women, including a former staff member, who accused the congressman of sexual assault and harassment. Following these allegations, within forty eight hours of the initial reports, the House Ethics Committee announced a formal inquiry. At the same time, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office confirmed that it was investigating an incident that may have happened in 2024 in New York City. Due to a loss of support from the House and threat of expulsion through a vote, Swalwell submitted his letter of resignation.

In his departing statement, Swalwell acknowledged “failings in personal judgement” but denied the serious criminal allegations. He said, “I have decided that the best way to contest these false claims is as a private citizen, without the distractions of public office or the burdens it places on my colleagues.” Since then, he has gotten legal counsel to address the investigation.

Since there is now a vacancy in California’s 14th Congressional District, there is a need for a special election. Primary ballots are scheduled to be mailed to voters in just a few weeks and the removal of the race’s most prominent figure has left a power vacuum in the highest leadership position in one of the country’s most influential states. Once one of the most influential figures in Congress, Swalwell now forcibly exits the public stage to address potentially career-ending allegations.