Since reporting emerged on Friday that multiple women have accused Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) of sexual misconduct, and one has accused him of assault while she was intoxicated, prominent figures who have endorsed his campaign for governor of California have bailed out one by one — and his own campaign has taken down its endorsements webpage.
According to California political analyst Rob Pyers, the website's page now returns a 404 error.
Meanwhile, the endorsements are being withdrawn rapidly.
"I have read the San Francisco Chronicle’s account and I am deeply distressed by its allegations," wrote Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), one of Swalwell's longtime allies in Congress who sat with him on the House Intelligence Committee for years, in a post to X. "This woman was brave to come forward, and we should take her story seriously. I am withdrawing my endorsement immediately, and believe that he should withdraw from the race."
Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), who last week was defending Swalwell from the allegations when they were just rumors on social media, had a similar reaction.
"I’ve read the San Francisco Chronicle’s reporting and I take it seriously. What is described is indefensible," he said. "Women who come forward with accounts like this deserve to be heard with respect, not questioned or dismissed. I regret having come to his defense on social media prior to knowing all the information. I am equally as shocked and upset about what has transpired. I am withdrawing my endorsement of Congressman Swalwell, effective immediately."
California lawmakers who have withdrawn endorsements also include Reps. Doris Matsui, Ted Lieu, Ami Bera, Nanette Barragán, and Kevin Mullin. The California Teachers Association, a massive labor union with significant influence in state politics, also pulled their endorsement.
Until now, Swalwell was one of the three Democrats in the gubernatorial "jungle primary" with the largest vote share, the others being former Rep. Katie Porter and businessman and philanthropist Tom Steyer. Other Democrats in the race include former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.