Rep. Eric Swalwell’s campaign for California governor collapsed on Friday after a former staffer alleged that he raped her while she was heavily intoxicated. The San Francisco Chronicle first published the account. CNN then reported that four women in total have described sexual misconduct by the congressman.

Why it matters

Swalwell was a leading Democratic candidate in one of the most closely watched races in the country. The speed of his collapse — endorsements pulled, staff resignations, leadership calling for his exit — within hours of the allegations going public, signals how little tolerance remains for misconduct claims inside the party.

The allegations

The woman, who has not been publicly named, told CNN that Swalwell initiated non-consensual sexual contact while she was drunk. “I was pushing him off of me, saying no,” she said of a 2024 incident. She described a second encounter in 2019, shortly after she was hired in his district office, where she woke in his hotel room with little memory of the night before.

Three additional women described a pattern of inappropriate behaviour, according to CNN’s reporting. Swalwell sent unsolicited photos via Snapchat, requested nude images and propositioned staffers, the women said.

Swalwell’s response

“These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They’re absolutely false,” Swalwell said on Friday. He has not indicated he will withdraw from the race.

The fallout

His campaign chairman, Rep. Jimmy Gomez, resigned within hours. “I cannot in good conscience remain in any role with this campaign,” Gomez said. “The congressman should leave the race now.”

Senator Adam Schiff withdrew his endorsement. House Democratic leadership called for a “swift investigation” and urged Swalwell to end his campaign immediately.

Major labour unions that had backed Swalwell, including the California Labour Federation, said they were reviewing their endorsements. The exodus jolted the governor’s race weeks before ballots begin arriving in voters’ letterboxes.

What happens next

Swalwell has not announced a withdrawal. The primary remains scheduled, and his name will appear on ballots already printed. If he does drop out, the remaining Democratic field — which includes several members of Congress — will compete for the endorsements and union backing now up for grabs.