Representative Eric Swalwell has ended his campaign for governor, and may also lose his congressional seat. The House Ethics Committee is now investigating charges made against him.
With the June election for California governor only weeks away, women making statements about sexual assault and abuse by Swalwell caused many leading Democrats to withdraw their endorsements.
Both of Culver City’s congressional representatives, Sydney Kamlager-Dove and Ted Lieu, withdrew their support last week over the allegations.
Kamlager-Dove released a statement on Sunday, April 12, 2026 saying “I know how difficult it can be for survivors to come forward. Women carry more than you realize. [These stories] must be taken seriously and investigated. I withdraw my endorsement, and I believe it’s in the best interest of Californians that he leave the race.”
Initial reporting from the San Francisco Chronicle held that a former congressional aide accused Swalwell of two non-consensual sexual encounters, including one where she said she woke up in his hotel room, unable to recall how she’d arrived there. The implication that her drink was drugged is a key element.
Then, more women came forward; four women in total allege sexual abuse, one of whom accuses him outright of rape. “I was pushing him off of me, saying no,” the woman said, according to CNN.
There is a bi-partisan movement to expel Swalwell from Congress if he does not resign.
Another Congressman, Republican Tony Gonzalez of Texas, has admitted to a sexual relationship with member of his staff who died from suicide. He is also being called on to resign or be expelled.
According the Los Angeles Times, “If successful, [these] expulsions would be the first in congressional history on the grounds of sexual misconduct, and among the rare instances in the House’s 237-year history in which members have expelled their own.”
With Swalwell out of the governor’s race, there is more space for Tom Steyer and Katie Porter to claim the two top spots.
The election is on June 2, 2026. Ballots will be mailed out on beginning May 4.
Judith Martin-Straw
UPDATE – Both Swalwell and Gonzalez have stated that they will resign from Congress.
