Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California suspended his gubernatorial campaign Sunday, citing personal judgment failures while denying serious allegations of rape, sexual assault, and sexual misconduct leveled against him.
The congressman's exit dramatically reshapes a race already marked by turmoil. Swalwell had positioned himself as a top-tier candidate in what was shaping up to be one of the state's most unpredictable gubernatorial contests in years.
In a brief statement posted online, Swalwell said he would fight what he characterized as "serious, false allegations," but indicated the legal battle should not consume his campaign. "I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past," he wrote.
Swalwell gave no signal he intends to surrender his House seat, despite mounting pressure from both Republican and Democratic colleagues urging resignation. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Florida Republican, has announced plans to force a floor vote on Swalwell's expulsion when Congress reconvenes this week, though such a measure would need two-thirds support to succeed.
The timing of Swalwell's gubernatorial withdrawal comes as House Republicans prepare legislative action against him, adding another layer of complexity to the congressman's political future. His departure from the governor's race removes one of the Democratic field's most recognizable names and leaves California's contest wide open with weeks of campaigning ahead.
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