Rep. Eric Swalwell mentioned Sunday he would withdraw from the California governor’s race within the wake of allegations of sexual misconduct that led to a virtually quick campaign collapse, as staffers give up and distinguished Democratic supporters urged him to drop out.
“I am suspending my campaign for Governor,” he posted on X. “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.”
Swalwell was lengthy thought of a prime contender in a wide-open area with a number of distinguished Democrats and two Republicans forward of the state’s June 2 nonpartisan major. But on Friday, his campaign was roiled when NCS and the San Francisco Chronicle revealed experiences during which girls accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct.
Key allies, together with campaign chair Rep. Jimmy Gomez and Sens. Ruben Gallego and Adam Schiff, pulled their help virtually instantly, with new statements denouncing Swalwell arriving in speedy succession. A key impartial expenditure group backing him introduced it could shut down.
A governor’s race that was already drawing nationwide consideration was thrown additional into flux. Among the highest Democrats left are billionaire Tom Steyer, former Rep. Katie Porter, former Health and Human Services secretary Xavier Becerra and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Chad Bianco, the Riverside County sheriff, and Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host endorsed by President Donald Trump, are the Republican contenders.
It’s unclear whether or not Swalwell will stay within the US House till his time period expires in January.
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