California · Donald Trump · Tom Steyer · White House · Fortune Technology
Eric Swalwell’s abrupt exit from the race for California governor left his rivals scrambling to lock down his former supporters
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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.
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
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. 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.