SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — US Rep. Eric Swalwell has suspended his campaign for governor of California following allegations of sexual assault, announcing the decision on Sunday as scrutiny over the Democratic primary race intensifies.
Swalwell said in a statement that he would step down to address the allegations.
“To my family, staff, friends and supporters, I am deeply sorry for my past errors in governance. I will fight the dangerous and false allegations that have been made – but this is my fight, not a campaign fight.”
More: Rep. Eric Swalwell suspends his campaign for California governor amid sexual assault allegations
The comment immediately reshaped a closely watched contest in which Swalwell had a narrow lead among Democrats.
Criticism of Swalwell has circulated in Washington for years, according to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who spoke on ABC’s “This Week.”
“Every member of Congress knows that no young staffer is allowed to hang around Swalwell or Matt Gaetz, that’s no secret there,” McCarthy said.
Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown said the allegations were not unexpected, citing long-standing conversations between Democratic leaders.
“No, I’m not surprised, frankly, because there’s been rumor after rumor after rumor, his colleague in Washington pretty much said that. That’s what Adam Schiff said, that’s what Nancy Pelosi said,” Brown said.
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Brown said Swalwell’s exit leaves the field unstable, and that he has not yet decided who deserves his support.
“I’m still trying to find someone who might be able to win and I haven’t found him yet,” Brown said.
Political analysts said that the repercussions create a state of uncertainty for voters and party leaders alike.
“But this is a mess right now,” said Daniel Schnur, who studies political communications at UC Berkeley and the University of Southern California. “It’s a mess for the Democratic Party, and it’s a mess for California primary voters.”
The direct beneficiaries of Swalwell’s decision are Katie Porter and Tom Steyer, though both face obstacles, Schnur said. He said Steyer had drawn criticism because of his wealth and investment history, while Porter’s personal style had drawn complaints.
“He’s under attack because he’s made millions and millions of dollars investing his money in ways that most Democrats find completely unacceptable,” Schnur said of Steyer.
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“Porter is being criticized for being unpleasant,” he said. “I don’t think most Californians want a disruptive governor, but between the two of them, he seems like he might be the hurdle most likely to overcome.”
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has the deepest experience in the race, but that has not translated into strong polling, Brown said. He added that campaign finance may now play a big role.
“Money is starting to mean something in political races, and when you can’t raise it, you’re probably at a huge disadvantage,” Brown said. “I think all these Democrats are now at a disadvantage because Tom Steyer has more money than sin.”
Swalwell’s comment leaves Democrats reevaluating a race that, until Sunday, appeared to have a clear leader, with the primary months away.
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