Eric Swalwell suspends campaign for California governor amid misconduct allegations

Rep. https://www.axios.com/2026/04/12/swalwell-gonzales-cherfilus-mccormick-mills-expel" target="_blank">Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) announced Sunday he is suspending his campaign for governor amid allegations of rape, sexual assault and sexual misconduct, which he denies.

Why it matters: Swalwell was one of the Democratic frontrunners in the race.

His exit is a colossal shakeup of what has already been one of the most volatile gubernatorial races in recent memory.

What they're saying: "I am suspending my campaign for Governor," Swalwell wrote in a https://x.com/ericswalwell/status/2043488502327972096?s=46&t=yxYBta0zhKqvzUP8zCYxjw" target="_blank">post 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."

Between the lines: Swalwell offered no indication he plans to give up his House seat, amid calls from colleagues in both parties for him to resign.

• Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) has said she plans to force a vote to expel Swalwell when the House returns to session this week, though that would require a two-thirds majority to pass.

This is breaking news.