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Rep. Eric Swalwell Abandons California Gubernatorial Campaign After Ex-Staffer Alleges Rape

HeadlineApr 13, 2026

In California, Democratic Congressmember Eric Swalwell has suspended his gubernatorial campaign after a former staffer said he twice raped her when she was heavily intoxicated, leaving her bruised and bleeding. Three other women also alleged sexual misconduct by Swalwell in interviews with CNN. Swalwell denied the claims but said he would suspend his campaign for governor of California while fighting what he called “serious, false allegations.” On Saturday, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said it had launched an investigation into the rape allegations. A growing number of lawmakers, including Democrats, are calling on Swalwell to resign from Congress. Many are also calling on Texas Republican Congressmember Tony Gonzales to quit, too, after he admitted to an affair with a former staffer who later took her own life, burning herself to death. Gonzales is also accused of sending sexually explicit messages to a former campaign aide.

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