Swalwell Dropped Out. Four Women Accused Him. California May Get a Republican Governor.
The big picture: Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor after CNN and The San Francisco Chronicle published allegations of sexual assault and rape from four women. One described waking up bruised, bleeding, and with no memory of the night after a blacked-out encounter in his hotel room. The Manhattan DA is investigating. More than 50 former staffers called for him to suspend. Pelosi and House Democrats joined them. In California’s jungle primary, two Republicans now lead the polls with five weeks until the election.
Why it matters: The bluest big state in America could elect a Republican governor because the leading Democrat was allegedly preying on women in his orbit. The Democratic field has seven remaining candidates and five weeks to consolidate — or risk both Republicans advancing to the general. One of those Republicans has promised to go to war with the Democratic legislature. The stakes extend far beyond California.
The allegations: Four women came forward. One (age 21 in 2019) says Swalwell told her to perform oral sex while driving to an event. Another says he sent nude Snapchat images three months after his wife gave birth. A third describes waking up bruised, bleeding, and with no memory in his hotel room after blacking out. CNN reported her account of him on top of her, her pushing him off, him not stopping. She said: “I said no. He didn’t stop. I woke up the next morning, naked, alone, in his hotel room.” The Manhattan DA is investigating.
The collapse: 50+ former staffers called for him to suspend. Pelosi: the investigation is “best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign.” Schiff and other endorsers withdrew. House Democrats issued a joint statement. DHS also announced an investigation into his employment of a nanny without work authorization. Swalwell suspended yesterday: “I will fight the serious, false allegations — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.”
The race: Seven remaining Democratic candidates. Two Republicans — Hilton and Bianco — lead recent polls. Trump endorsed Hilton. California’s jungle primary sends the top two to the general regardless of party. If Democrats split among seven candidates, both Republicans could advance. The June 2nd primary is five weeks away.
The stakes: Hilton signals willingness to work with the Democratic legislature. Bianco: “You want to know how I’m gonna work with a Democrat Legislature? I’m not.” A Republican governor would reshape executive agencies. The fifth-largest economy in the world could enter gridlock. Both candidates plan closer ties with Trump.
By the numbers:
4 — women who came forward with allegations
50+ — former staffers who called for Swalwell to suspend
7 — remaining Democratic candidates
2 — Republicans leading in polls
5 — weeks until the June 2nd primary
0 — Democrats currently leading in most polls
The bottom line: Four women came forward. One describes waking up bruised, bleeding, with no memory, after pushing him off and saying no. The DA is investigating. 50 staffers said quit. Pelosi agreed. He’s out. AND the political fallout could hand California to a Republican governor in a jungle primary where both GOP candidates are now leading. One man’s alleged predatory behavior may have changed the trajectory of an entire state. Democrats have five weeks to consolidate. If they can’t, the consequences reach far beyond California.
CNN | The San Francisco Chronicle
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Best-Case Scenario: Gavin Newsom steps back in, keeps California "blue," and stops terrorizing everyone with his hints at a presidential bid.