Rep. Eric Swalwell said Sunday that he is suspending his campaign for California governor, apologizing for what he called “mistakes in judgment” while denying the allegations against him.
In a post on X, Swalwell said he was stepping back from the race and would fight what he described as “serious, false allegations” outside the campaign.
“To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past,” Swalwell wrote.
The decision came as California Post reported that California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office called the accusations against Swalwell “deeply troubling” and said they must be taken seriously.
According to the California Post, Newsom’s office did not say whether the governor believes Swalwell should leave the race or resign from Congress.
The California Post reported that four women accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including an alleged rape. The report also said the allegations include claims that he sent unsolicited nude images and engaged in sexual activity under disputed circumstances.
Swalwell denied the rape and sexual assault allegations in his social media statement.
The allegations quickly drew political reaction. The California Post also reported that former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she called Swalwell and told him to withdraw from the race, while also calling for an investigation.
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