California · Donald Trump · San Francisco · Democrats · Tom Steyer · Fortune Technology
Eric Swalwell pauses campaign for California governor, rocking wide-open contest
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Eric Swalwell’s abrupt exit from the race for California governor left his rivals scrambling to lock down his former supporters in a crowded contest with no clear leader, injecting more turmoil into the campaign to lead the nation’s most populous state.
Key facts
- The San Francisco Chronicle spoke to a woman who alleged Swalwell sexually assaulted her in 2019, when she worked for him, and again in 2024
- The alleged 2024 incident occurred in New York, and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said it’s investigating
- Swalwell is perhaps best known nationally as a House manager in President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial during his first term in early 2021
- The 48-hour period marked a rapid reversal for a candidate who appeared to be gaining momentum in the packed field to replace outgoing Democratic Gov
Summary
Swalwell’s decision to suspend his campaign Sunday followed allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman twice, including when she worked for him, that were published Friday in the San Francisco Chronicle and later by CNN. For rival candidates in a wide-open race, the key issue is where Swalwell’s supporters will go. Katie Porter, one of the leading Democrats, posted a line from a San Francisco Chronicle column on X, “Democrats can pull victory from the jaws of defeat by coalescing around Porter.” Billionaire hedge fund manager-turned-liberal activist Tom Steyer said he secured the support of Rep. With seven established Democrats and two leading Republicans on a primary ballot with more than 50 candidates, the race remains fluid.