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Eric Swalwell resignation row: Why Kamala Harris's ‘great fighter’ remark has surfaced amid sexual allegations
A resurfaced endorsement from Kamala Harris calling Eric Swalwell ‘a great fighter’ has drawn renewed attention
A resurfaced endorsement from Kamala Harris calling Eric Swalwell ‘a great fighter’ has drawn renewed attention amid the recent sexual assault allegations against the California governor candidate. While the 45-year-old has denied the accusations, he is facing calls to resign from Congress and give up his bid.
When Kamala Harris praised Eric Swalwell
Back in 2019, after Swalwell exited the Democratic presidential primary, Harris had publicly praised him, writing: “.@ericswalwell, you’re a great fighter for the people of California. We are a stronger nation because of your work to protect our children and our communities from gun violence," she posted on X, platform formerly known as Twitter.
At the time, Swalwell had made gun control a central pillar of his campaign, declaring: “My pledge to you tonight is that this issue comes first. And until it comes first, we’re not going to end gun violence.”
He ultimately withdrew from the race, admitting his polling and fundraising ‘were not ‘what we had hoped for’ and that he no longer saw ‘a path forward to the nomination’.
Announcing his exit, he said: “Today ends our presidential campaign, but it is the beginning of an opportunity in Congress with a new perspective shaped by the lives that have touched me and my campaign over the past few months.”
Recent allegations against Eric Swalwell
Fast forward to 2026, and Swalwell’s political future is under threat following a wave of sexual misconduct allegations. Reports by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN detail claims from multiple women, including a former aide who alleged he sexually assaulted her on two occasions when she was too intoxicated to consent. Swalwell has denied all allegations.
Read More: Why did Eric Swalwell's campaign bust? Sexual assault allegations trigger exit
His campaign has since been thrown into turmoil. A key political action committee, Californians for a Fighter, suspended operations, stating: “In light of the serious allegations, Californians for a Fighter is suspending campaign activities immediately.” The PAC had raised $7.76 million, including major contributions from Uber Technologies and businessman Stephen Cloobeck.
Swalwell pushed back against the claims, saying: “The ‘allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor.’”
He added, “For nearly 20 years, I have served the public - as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women. I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action.”
Eric Swalwell faces pushback
Hakeem Jeffries and other House Democratic leaders called for a 'swift investigation' and urged him to end his campaign. Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff also called on him to exit the race, while Ro Khanna demanded law enforcement and ethics probes.
Major institutional support has also collapsed. The California Teachers Association, representing more than 300,000 members, suspended its backing soon after the allegations surfaced.
Before the controversy, Swalwell had been one of the leading Democratic contenders to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. Polling averages showed him running second behind Republican candidate Steve Hilton, with strong support from donors and unions in a crowded field that includes Katie Porter, Tom Steyer and Matt Mahan.
