So here's how a political campaign unravels in real time. On Tuesday, Governor Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) did the administrative thing you do when a member of Congress suddenly quits: he issued a proclamation scheduling a special election for August 18 to fill the now-empty seat. The member who quit is former Representative Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), and the reason he quit is a bit more dramatic than your average retirement.
Swalwell resigned amid multiple, serious sexual misconduct allegations that have been reported by several media outlets. One woman, Lonna Drewes, has alleged that Swalwell drugged, raped, and choked her. Swalwell, through his attorney, has denied every single allegation. "Congressman Eric Swalwell categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled against him," attorney Sara Azari said in a statement, adding that he would pursue "every available legal remedy."
But the political damage was instantaneous and severe. Swalwell was in the middle of a campaign for California governor. That campaign is now over. He posted a statement on X, saying, "I am suspending my campaign for Governor." He apologized to his family, staff, and supporters "for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past," but drew a line at the recent claims. "I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that's my fight, not a campaign's," he wrote.
Last week, as the story was breaking, Swalwell had called the sexual assault allegations "flat false" while acknowledging other past mistakes. He maintained the timing of the claims was suspicious, emerging as he was leading in the governor's race. Regardless of the timing, the effect was clear: his campaign imploded. Key Democratic allies, including campaign leadership and senators, distanced themselves. Major fundraising support was suspended. The whole operation ground to a halt.
On the law enforcement side, FBI Director Kash Patel weighed in, stating that Swalwell has denied the allegations and would be welcome to meet with investigators. Patel also put out a general call, urging anyone with relevant information to contact the FBI, stating the "door is open to all."
So now, the immediate political machinery kicks in. There's a vacant seat in Congress that needs to be filled by voters in a few months. And there's a former congressman and gubernatorial candidate who says he's preparing for a very different kind of fight—one in a courtroom, not on the campaign trail.
