The race for California’s next governor has just lost one Democrat. This comes after leading candidate Swalwell was accused by multiple women of sexual misconduct and harassment over the years. His exit could alter the dynamics of the race in a historically Democratic state. 

The most jarring accusation made against Swalwell was from Lonna Drewes, who at the time of meeting was a model and fashion tech company owner. Drewes claims she met Swalwell in 2018 and spoke to him two or three times, before claiming one night Swalwell took her up to a hotel room, where he allegedly raped her, causing her to lose consciousness. 

In a video posted to Swalwell’s instagram shortly after the accusations became public, Swalwell denied all allegations of sexual assault, stating they’re completely false. He later went on to state that he would not resign from the governor’s race.  He asked voters to keep in mind these allegations came up right against the time of the election.  However, soon after he resigned from his campaign.

An overwhelming number of both democrats and republicans called for his resignation from his campaign. California Senator Adam Schiff, along with Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego backed out of their support for his campaign. Other individuals such as Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jefferies and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi called on Swalwell to end his campaign. Swalwell last stated he is using this time to focus on his family and fight these allegations.