18 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY APRIL 16-22, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com Finish Line Eric Swalwell suspends campaign for California governor after sex assault allegations. By Jeanne Kuang FORUM U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor on Sunday, April 12, days after two news outlets published explosive allegations of sexual assault and misconduct from four women, including a former staff member. He continued to deny the allegations in an announcement on social media. Swalwell’s campaign collapsed Friday, soon after the first report in the San Francisco Chronicle, in which the unnamed former staff member said Swalwell solicited oral sex from her while she was working for him and twice sexually assaulted her when she was too drunk to consent. The account was corroborated with medical records and by people the woman spoke with after the last incident, which she said took place in New York in 2024. Later that day, CNN published the same woman’s account, as well as those of three other women, one of whom said he kissed and touched her inappropriately and two of whom alleged he sent unsolicited nude photos and other inappropriate messages on Snapchat. Dozens of supporters and staffers quickly dropped their support for Swalwell. Major unions and congressional candidates pulled their endorsements. Because he is leaving the race after a state deadline to file for or withdraw from a race, his name will still appear on the June 2 primary ballot. One of the leading Democratic candidates for governor, Swalwell dug his heels at first, calling the allegations “flat false” in a video statement. But he hemorrhaged supporters from across the Democratic establishment. Major labor unions suspended their support. Democratic congressional leaders called for him to drop out, staffers quit and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced it would look into the alleged 2024 assault. He also faces mounting pressure from colleagues to resign from Congress, where he has represented parts of the East Bay since 2013. Swalwell ran primarily on his antagonism toward President Donald Trump, telling voters that fighting Trump is the California governor’s “number-one job.” In a field of seven major Democrats, he had better name recognition with liberal voters than many other candidates from his frequent appearances on cable news and his role chairing the second Trump impeachment in 2021. He quickly rose to the top of the polls among Democratic candidates, and garnered the largest share of support from state Democratic Party delegates during a convention in February. He was in a three-way tie as the lead Democrat in the race, along with Katie Porter and Tom Steyer, all of whom trailed the two Republican candidates, Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco, raising concerns among Democrats that the two Republicans could take the top two spots in the primary, locking Democrats out of the seat. Swalwell’s exit could potentially allow another Democrat to surge into the lead. Jeanne Kuang covers politics and state government at CalMatters, where this story first appeared. OPINION He was in a three-way tie as the lead Democrat. Quality feed & pet supplies • DIY dog & cat vaccines • Premium hay at great prices Low cost vaccination clinic for dogs & cats. Microchipping. Prescription flea/tick medication. Open every Saturday 12pm-3pm 101 W. LAUREL DR, SALINAS • (831)443-6161 Mon-Sat 9am-6pm Sun 10am-5pm $5 OFF Any purchase of $25 or more $20 OFF Any purchase of $100 or more FLOCK SEASON IS HERE! $10 OFF Any purchase of $50 or more CHICKS, DUCKLINGS, AND BABY TURKEYS FOR SALE NOW! CHICKS: PULLETS CORNISH DUCKS: MALE FEMALE TURKEYS: BRONZE WHITE EXPIRES 4-8-26. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER DISCOUNTS OR OFFERS. LIMIT 1 COUPON PER CUSTOMER. NOT VALID ON HAY, SHAVINGS, SERESTO, MAX BULLY, SPORTSTRAIL, OR LIVE ANIMALS. MUST PRESENT ENTIRE PHYSICAL COUPON AT TIME OF PURCHASE. COUPON MUST COME DIRECTLY FROM THE MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY. REPRINTS OR PHOTOCOPIES NOT VALID. $7.00 $4.50 $13.00 $20.00 $22.00 $18.00 PRICES BEGINNER POULTRY KIT – $32.99 5-13-26 fri-sun apr 17th-19th carmel plaza luxury italian sportswear carmel-by-the-sea trunk show ClogBusters: Southern Monterey Bay Dischargers Group • Monterey One Water ClogBusters.org Good habits protect the environment & public health from sewer overflows! www.FlushSmartCalifornia.org DON’T FLUSH paper towels • wrappers • wrappers • wipes • • wipes • floss • hair • tissues • cotton swabs • rags • cat litter
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