Congressman Eric Swalwell has abruptly suspended his campaign for California governor after facing serious sexual assault allegations from a former staffer.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Swalwell announced, "I am suspending my campaign for Governor." He added, "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."
While ending his gubernatorial aspirations, Swalwell did not indicate whether he would resign from his congressional seat.
The suspension follows mounting pressure from Democratic leaders including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Representative Adam Schiff, who had called for Swalwell to withdraw from the race after allegations surfaced.
According to reports, a former staffer told CNN she went to a bar with Swalwell and later blacked out, recalling only a fragment of the evening when she says Swalwell was on top of her. She claims she attempted to push him away but he persisted.
Swalwell has vehemently denied all accusations against him.
The congressman faces additional controversies, including allegations of sending unsolicited explicit photos to a political influencer and a Department of Homeland Security investigation regarding his employment of a Brazilian nanny whose work authorization had reportedly expired.