The California Dental Association (CDA) Political Action Committee (PAC) pulled its endorsement of U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, a Democrat, for state governor amid allegations of sexual misconduct, according to a CDA press release dated April 13.
U.S. House of Representatives/Wikipedia.
Immediately after the “deeply disturbing” allegations against Swalwell were publicized on April 10, the CDA PAC ended all campaign activity for him, and its board officially withdrew its support, according to the press release.
At the behest of fellow Democrats, Swalwell suspended his gubernatorial campaign on April 12. Swalwell has been accused of sexual misconduct by four women, including a staffer who claims she was raped by the politician.
A former staffer said the congressman raped her in 2024 when she was heavily intoxicated and left her bruised and bleeding. It was allegedly not the first time Swalwell engaged in nonconsensual sexual contact with the woman. While she was working for him 2019, the woman claims she woke up naked with him in a hotel room after a night of heavy drinking. Swalwell has denied the allegations.
The other alleged victims claimed Swalwell sent them unsolicited nudes. Swalwell has denied these allegations.
“These are significant allegations that must be taken very seriously,” according to the CDA release.
Prior to his exit, Swalwell was the Democratic frontrunner in the crowded race for California governor. The current democratic candidates include U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, billionaire businessman Tom Steyer, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, and former California State Controller Betty Yee.
Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco are running for the top state post as Republicans.
