Democrat suspends campaign for California governor after sexual assault allegations

Congressman Eric Swalwell announced the suspension of his campaign for governor of California after allegations of sexual assault against former employees of his office were revealed. The Democratic congressman was the favorite in the June primaries to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, but reports published on Friday by The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN led senior party figures to withdraw support for Swalwell’s candidacy. With Swalwell’s departure, other Democratic candidates continue to compete for the nomination. On the Republican side, Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host supported by President Donald Trump, is one of the names seeking the position. “I am suspending my campaign for governor,” Eric Swalwell, 45, announced in a statement released on the social network X. “To my family, team, friends and supporters: I deeply regret the errors in judgment I have made in the past,” he said. “I will fight against the serious and false accusations that have been made, but this is my fight, not that of a campaign,” he added. A former aide to Swalwell said the congressman sexually assaulted her when she was intoxicated, leaving her bruised and bleeding, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Three other women reported inappropriate sexual conduct by Swalwell, CNN reported. More than 50 former Swalwell collaborators signed a letter, released on Sunday, in which they described the allegations as “serious” and “credible”. The text demands his resignation from Congress. In his message released on Sunday, however, the Democrat does not address his position in Congress. Several Democratic leaders who had supported his candidacy for governor, such as senators Adam Schiff and Ruben Gallego, withdrew their support. bur-lkd/lga/mas/jvb/fp

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