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Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA) suspended his campaign for governor of California on Sunday after a series of controversial allegations of sexual misconduct. The scandal sparked a backlash from Democrats across the country as they tried to get him out and prevent the controversy.
A few days ago, Swalwell was one of the frontrunners in a crowded field to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom — a job with a lot of political and policy power, and a potentially star-studded position in American politics. Instead, Swalwell now finds himself completely marginalized, with some Democrats calling him out expelled from Congress.
The 45-year-old is a political democrat whose act of ripping off Trump on social media made him popular in Resistance circles. You can also remember it very short term of the presidency in the 2020 cycle.
What are the allegations?
The San Francisco Chronicle reported on Friday that an unnamed former employee alleged that Swalwell, who is married, pursued her in an affair after she was hired when she was 21, including sending lewd photos via Snapchat. Their relationship became physical, but she said he continued to sexually assault her twice when she was too drunk to consent. CNN ran its own story that same day, which included the staffer’s account, as well as three additional women who described unsolicited sexual advances by the member of Congress, including one who said he took her to his hotel room while drunk.
He has called the accusations “pure lies,” denied any wrongdoing, and said the allegations “come on the eve of an election where I have become a gubernatorial candidate,” implying they are politically motivated. However, he also admitted unspecified “errors in judgment”. that he says “it’s between me and my wife.” In to announce his departure out of the race, he reiterated that he had made “mistakes,” but said he planned to “fight the serious and false allegations that have been made.”
How have the Democrats responded?
By trampling on his candidacy. Immediately after the allegations were reported, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), a close friend who chaired Swalwell’s presidential campaign and may be. similar desires his own, withdrew his confirmation along with many other followers. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi he asked her to drop out of school. Major labor groups supporting his candidacy also withdrew their support.
What is happening in the gubernatorial race now?
Swalwell was a name runner in a race where no candidate caught fire. The next candidate in the weak Democratic field is Tom Steyer, a Democratic megadonor and fellow 2020 presidential contender whose self-funded campaign has defeated opponents such as former Rep. Katie Porter, former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, among others.
The June 2 California race is a “primary” where candidates from all parties run once and the top two advance. There was some concern among Democrats that two Republican candidates could take both positions, leaving Democrats locked out of the general election, but Swalwell’s move could help Democrats consolidate their votes, while Trump’s latest endorsement former Fox News host Steve Hilton is likely to do the same on the Republican side.
And before you ask: Yes, it is too late for Kamala Harris to enter.
What about Swalwell’s work in Congress?
Republicans are threatening to call a vote on his ouster from the House. This can cause Democrats call for expulsion votes against themselves Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) and Cory Mills (R-FL) on their scandals, which can also lead to expulsion Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL)facing charges of corruption. The votes may not pass, as expulsion requires a two-thirds vote. But Axios reports that at least some Democrats and Republicans have indicated they will cross party lines and vote to expel most members, so there may be more bipartisan agreement than you might expect.
