In an unexpected turn of events in California’s political arena, prominent backers of Representative Eric Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign have rescinded their support. This decision came on Friday following Swalwell’s denial of accusations alleging he committed sexual assault against a woman on two occasions, including during her tenure as his staff member.

Despite the mounting pressure, Swalwell has not yielded to the demands for his withdrawal from the race. Taking to social media, he announced intentions to spend the weekend with family and friends, promising to provide an update “very soon.”

Swalwell addressed the allegations head-on, asserting, “These allegations of sexual assault are entirely false. They did not happen, they have never happened, and I will fight them with all I have.”

Until recently, Swalwell was a front-runner among Democrats vying to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom. However, within mere hours, he witnessed a significant exodus of support, with heavyweights like U.S. Senator Adam Schiff and influential labor unions withdrawing their endorsements and urging him to step down from the race.

Governor Newsom, a prospective 2028 presidential candidate who has remained largely uninvolved in the race for his successor, expressed his concerns in a statement. “As we continue to learn more, these allegations from multiple sources are deeply troubling and must be taken seriously,” he stated.

Meanwhile, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has yet to endorse any candidate in the race, emphasized the gravity of the situation. She remarked that the “serious allegations” warrant a thorough investigation and revealed she had advised Swalwell to pursue such inquiries independently of his gubernatorial campaign.

The allegations surfaced at a critical stage of the wide-open campaign to lead the nation’s most populous state. Voters will receive mail ballots next month in advance of the June 2 election.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday that a woman said Swalwell sexually assaulted her in 2019 and 2024. The newspaper reviewed text messages about the alleged 2024 assault and spoke to people whom she had told about it. She told the newspaper she did not go to police because she was afraid she would not be believed.

The woman worked for Swalwell in 2019, when the first alleged assault occurred, and the 2024 assault allegedly occurred after a charity gala, the newspaper reported. She said in both cases she was too intoxicated to consent to sex.

The paper didn’t name the woman, and The Associated Press has not been able to independently verify her account and identity. Her lawyer declined to comment.

Swift backlash from prominent Democrats

Schiff said in a social media post he’s “deeply distressed” by the allegations, calling for Swalwell to end his gubernatorial bid.

Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who helped run Swalwell’s campaign, said he’s immediately ending his role.

“The congressman should leave the race now so there can be full accountability without doubt, distraction, or delay,” Gomez said on social media.

Powerful labor unions, including the California Service Employees International Union and the California Teachers Association, said they’re suspending their support. The California Federation of Labor Unions said it’s “acting urgently” on next steps.

A spokesperson for House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said the allegations require a “serious and thorough investigation.”

Growing calls for Swalwell to drop out

Swalwell is among a handful of prominent candidates in the crowded race to succeed Newsom, and he immediately came under pressure from all other Democratic rivals to withdraw from the race. The party has been mired in a messy primary season with some leaders fearing the crowded field could cost them spot in the November general election. The state’s top-two primary system sends the two highest vote getters onto the general election regardless of party.

Swalwell on Tuesday kicked off a planned series of campaign events in Sacramento, where he told reporters he’s never had a sexual relationship with a staff member or intern. He canceled the next scheduled event in Palm Springs on Thursday.

Uncorroborated and nonspecific rumors that Swalwell behaved inappropriately with female staffers have circulated on social media for weeks, but the Chronicle’s story is the first reported account of someone making a direct accusation. CNN also reported that several women accused Swalwell of sending them inappropriate sexual messages.

He’s suggested the allegations were part of an attack due to his campaign’s momentum.

Swalwell was elected in 2012 and represents a House district east of San Francisco. He launched a presidential run in April 2019 but shuttered it a few months later after failing to catch on with voters. Swalwell, who is married and has three children, is perhaps best known nationally as a House manager in President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial during his first term in early 2021.

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Blood reported from Los Angeles.