Eric Swalwell Backers Yank Their Support After Sexual Assault Allegations | EUROtoday

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell has to date denied requires him to exit the California governor’s race following allegations that he sexually assaulted a girl twice, together with when she labored for him. After outstanding supporters withdrew their backing, Swalwell mentioned in a video on social media that he would spend the weekend with household and pals and share an replace “very soon.”

“These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They’re absolutely false. They did not happen, they have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have,” the congressman mentioned Friday.

Swalwell was among the many main Democrats within the race to switch outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom. But in simply hours, he noticed his most outstanding supporters — together with U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff and highly effective labor unions — drop their endorsements and name for his exit from the race.

Newsom, a probable 2028 presidential candidate who has prevented participating within the contest to switch him, mentioned in an announcement: “As we continue to learn more, these allegations from multiple sources are deeply troubling and must be taken seriously.”

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who hasn’t endorsed within the race, mentioned the “serious allegations” have to be investigated and that she spoke to Swalwell and instructed that be carried out “outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”

The allegations surfaced at a crucial stage of the wide-open marketing campaign to guide the nation’s most populous state. Voters will obtain mail ballots subsequent month upfront of the June 2 election.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday {that a} lady mentioned Swalwell sexually assaulted her in 2019 and 2024. The newspaper reviewed textual content messages in regards to the alleged 2024 assault and spoke to individuals whom she had advised about it. She advised the newspaper she didn’t go to police as a result of she was afraid she wouldn’t be believed.

The lady labored for Swalwell in 2019, when the primary alleged assault occurred, and the 2024 assault allegedly occurred after a charity gala, the newspaper reported. She mentioned in each instances she was too intoxicated to consent to intercourse.

The paper didn’t identify the girl, and The Associated Press has not been capable of independently confirm her account and id. Her lawyer declined to remark.

The alleged 2024 incident occurred in New York, and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office mentioned Saturday that it was investigating. The DA’s workplace urged anybody with information to contact its particular victims division.

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

Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who helped run Swalwell’s marketing campaign, mentioned he’s instantly ending his position.

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

The highly effective California Service Employees International Union mentioned Saturday it was formally rescinding its endorsement and urged Swalwell to withdraw from the race instantly. The California Teachers Association mentioned it was suspending its assist. And the California Federation of Labor Unions mentioned it was “acting urgently” on subsequent steps.

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

Swalwell is amongst a handful of outstanding candidates within the crowded race to succeed Newsom, and he instantly got here underneath stress from all different Democratic rivals to withdraw from the race. The social gathering has been mired in a messy main season with some leaders fearing the crowded area might value them spot within the November normal election. The state’s top-two main system sends the 2 highest vote-getters on to the final election no matter social gathering.

Swalwell on Tuesday kicked off a deliberate sequence of marketing campaign occasions in Sacramento, the place he advised reporters he’s by no means had a sexual relationship with a employees member or intern. He canceled the subsequent scheduled occasion in Palm Springs on Thursday.

Uncorroborated and nonspecific rumors that Swalwell behaved inappropriately with feminine staffers have circulated on social media for weeks, however the Chronicle’s story is the primary reported account of somebody making a direct accusation. CNN additionally printed a narrative that appeared to characteristic the identical lady’s allegations, although she was not named, in addition to allegations from a number of ladies that Swalwell despatched them inappropriate sexual messages.

He’s instructed the allegations have been a part of an assault resulting from his marketing 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 however shuttered it just a few months later after failing to catch on with voters. Swalwell, who’s married and has three youngsters, is maybe greatest recognized nationally as a House supervisor in President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial throughout his first time period in early 2021.

Blood reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press author Christopher Weber in Los Angeles contributed.