Eric Swalwell endorsements vanish as all 21 Democratic backs withdraw

Eric Swalwell endorsements collapse in 24 hours

In a rapid reversal, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D‑CA) saw all ↓ 21 of his Democratic endorsements disappear by Saturday, the final blow coming from Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D‑AZ) who rescinded her support.

Swalwell, once a gubernatorial frontrunner, is now besieged by multiple sexual‑assault allegations he denies, a Manhattan DA investigation, and a looming expulsion effort by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R‑FL). His ActBlue page and campaign website endorsement tab have been taken offline; ad buys are being halted and at least one fundraiser canceled.

“The allegations of sexual assault against Eric Swalwell are deeply disturbing and disqualifying. I am retracting my endorsement of his candidacy for Governor,” Grijalva wrote on X.

Other California Democrats—Scott Peters, Linda Sanchez, Jimmy Panetta and Julia Brownley—followed suit on Saturday, joining Senators Adam Schiff and Ruben Gallego, who withdrew their support the day before. Reuters reported that campaign chair Jimmy Gomez also stepped down.

Party leadership has turned hostile. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark and caucus chair Pete Aguilar issued a joint statement urging Swalwell to immediately end his campaign. California Democratic Party chair Rusty Hicks reiterated a call for all governor hopefuls to reassess viability.

Swalwell posted a video on Friday insisting the claims are “flat false,” but the political fallout shows no sign of abating.

Words by: Eleanor Cross

Chief Washington Correspondent