Florida's Luna Pushes to Expel Swalwell as Assault Claims Derail His California Governor Bid

Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor Sunday after allegations surfaced that he sexually assaulted a woman twice — including while she worked for him — sending a crowded, leaderless primary into fresh turmoil less than two months before voters head to the polls.

The San Francisco Chronicle first reported the allegations Friday, followed by CNN. They describe two incidents: one in 2019, when Swalwell employed the woman, and one in 2024 in New York. In both instances, the woman told reporters she was too intoxicated to consent. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office confirmed it is investigating the 2024 allegation and urged anyone with knowledge to contact its special victims division. CNN spoke to several other women who accused Swalwell of additional sexual misconduct. The Associated Press said it has not been able to independently verify the accuser's account and identity. Her attorney declined to comment.

The collapse carries direct implications for the House. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) said Saturday she would file a motion to begin expulsion proceedings against Swalwell when the House returns to session Tuesday. Expulsion requires a two-thirds majority — a steep threshold — but Republican George Santos of New York was removed from the chamber by that process in 2023, establishing recent precedent. Several Democrats, including Reps. Jared Huffman, Pramila Jayapal and Teresa Leger Fernández, said they would vote to expel Swalwell should he refuse to resign voluntarily.

Swalwell, 48, denied the assault allegations outright while acknowledging personal failings. "I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that's my fight, not a campaign's," he wrote on X. In a separate statement, he offered a broader apology: "To my family, staff, friends and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past."

The suspension reshuffles a race already crowded with seven established Democrats and two leading Republicans competing for the two general-election slots produced by California's top-two primary system. Swalwell's name remains on the ballot despite his exit. Democratic consultant Andrew Acosta, who is unaffiliated with any campaign, said Swalwell's former backers "will scatter out to other candidates," with Democrat Katie Porter and billionaire Tom Steyer among those moving quickly to capture them.

Mail ballots are scheduled to go out to California voters in early May ahead of the June 2 primary.

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