Swalwell suspends campaign for governor amid allegations of sexual assault, nude photos
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SACRAMENTO — Embattled Rep.Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor on Sunday but continued to deny accusations that he sexually assaulted a former staff member.His campaign to succeed Gov.
Gavin Newsom has all but collapsed as key Democratic supporters, including Rep.Nancy Pelosi and Sen.
Adam Schiff, abandon him.“To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past,” Swalwell wrote Sunday on social media.“I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.”Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign had been gaining momentum up until the scandal, with recent polls showing him in the top of the crowded Democratic field of candidates.
His abrupt departure throws the race into chaos less than two months before the June 2 primary.Two reports published Friday allege that Swalwell forced himself on a onetime staffer, while other women described the congressional member sending them photos of his penis and risque messages.Swalwell has remained defiant and threatened to sue some of those making the accusations.House ethics rules bar members from having sex with a subordinate, and House Democratic leader Rep.Hakeem Jeffries of New York is seeking an investigation into the allegations.More fallout could come: Rep.
Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) announced plans to force a House vote to expel Swalwell, a motion supported by some House Democrats, including Reps.Teresa Leger Fernández of New Mexico and Pramila Jayapal of Washington.
Rep.Jared Huffman, a Democrat representing Northern California, also called on Swalwell to resign.NBC News reported Sunday that there was growing “bipartisan steam” for remove Swalwell, along with Rep.
Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), who has admitted to having an affair with a staffer who later killed herself.The expulsion...