Eric Swalwell Suspends CA Gubernatorial Campaign

Congressman Eric Swalwell has suspended his campaign for California governor following a wave of serious sexual misconduct allegations, including claims of rape and unwanted touching from multiple women, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN. In a social media statement, Swalwell apologized for past 'mistakes in judgment' but did not resign from Congress, though his political future there is now in question amid calls for expulsion and an expected ethics investigation. The rapid collapse of Swalwell's once-promising campaign—marked by endorsements from major labor unions, members of Congress, and state lawmakers—has left the Democratic gubernatorial race in flux, with potential beneficiaries including former Rep. Katie Porter and billionaire activist Tom Steyer. Meanwhile, the California Republican Party's Spring Convention failed to endorse either of its top candidates, Chad Bianco or Steve Hilton, with both falling short of the 60% threshold. The GOP emphasized affordability, cost of living, and blaming Democrats for California’s challenges, with Hilton touting a return to Trump’s agenda and Bianco highlighting his 33-year law enforcement record. The episode underscores deep instability within both major parties ahead of the June primary.