'Stunning' Reversal for a Frontrunner in California Governor's Race

Eric Swalwell's run for California governor is unraveling fast amid detailed accusations of sexual assault and misconduct from multiple women, the Guardian reports. The San Francisco Chronicle on Friday published claims from a former staffer who says she had sexual encounters with Swalwell while he was her boss, and that the congressman assaulted her twice when she was too drunk to consent. Three other women described alleged sexual misconduct to CNN. The Guardian notes it has not independently verified the claims. CNN reports most of the women came forward anonymously, but identified one as social media creator Ally Sammarco, who says she received unsolicited explicit photos from Swalwell.

Swalwell, a Democrat who has represented the East Bay since 2013, has called the allegations "lies," saying he has "always protected women" and is prepared to fight back legally. His campaign lawyers sent cease-and-desist letters to two accusers, per CNN. But the political fallout has been swift: three campaign staffers have quit, Gov. Gavin Newsom called the reports "deeply troubling," key supporters including Sen. Adam Schiff, Sen. Ruben Gallego, and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi have withdrawn their endorsements or urged him to step aside, and labor unions have also pulled their support. Several Democratic rivals and at least one Republican opponent are now using the controversy to question both Swalwell's fitness for office and his party's handling of the claims. The AP calls the situation a "stunning political reversal" for a lawmaker once seen as a frontrunner to replace Newsom.