Gavin Newsom could have the most important microphone in California politics, however the governor has been noticeably meek in commenting on the horrifying sexual assault scandal involving Rep. Eric Swalwell — who till final week was the main Democrat to succeed Newsom in workplace.
Swalwell suspended his marketing campaign Sunday and submitted his rapid resignation from Congress on Tuesday following experiences by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN detailing allegations from a number of ladies that included harassment, sexual assault and rape.
The governor’s workplace didn’t reply to a request for remark Tuesday, simply hours after one other lady publicly stepped ahead to accuse Swalwell of drugging, choking and raping her.
Newsom’s lone assertion on the disturbing allegations towards Swalwell got here Sunday, hours earlier than Swalwell ended his marketing campaign.
“As we proceed to be taught extra, these allegations from a number of sources are deeply troubling and should be taken significantly,” mentioned Newsom, who has not endorsed anybody within the governor’s race.
In an interview final month, Newsom continued to duck commenting on the state of the race to succeed him as governor.
“You realize my place,” he mentioned. “I don’t discuss this governor’s race.”
A crowded area of Democrats — even with out Swalwell within the race — has doubtlessly set the stage for 2 Republicans, former Fox Information host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, to emerge from the first election in June. Progressive billionaire Tom Steyer and former congresswoman Katie Porter at the moment are the main Democrats within the race.
A Democratic political marketing consultant, who spoke to The Submit on the situation of anonymity, informed The Submit that Newsom’s muted response to the Swalwell saga was seemingly finished to serve the governor’s personal political pursuits.
“I assume that Gavin Newsom is doing what’s finest for a presidential race proper now, and interesting on this mess most likely doesn’t accrue to a presidential race,” the supply mentioned.
Among the many 4 ladies who got here ahead with allegations towards Swalwell final Friday, one former staffer alleged he raped her in a resort in New York Metropolis in 2024, sparking an investigation from the Manhattan District Lawyer’s workplace.
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Swalwell can be accused of lewd sexual acts similar to sending nudes, harassing and turning up exterior one lady’s residence.
Lonna Drewes, a 50-year-old trend firm entrepreneur, accused Swalqwell of drugging and raping her in a tearful information convention Tuesday in Los Angles.
“He invited me to 2 public occasions. I knew he was married on the time and that his spouse was pregnant,” Drewes mentioned. “He was my pal. On the third event, I consider he drugged my drink. I solely had one glass of wine.”
She mentioned she went to Swalwell’s resort room as a result of he wanted to seize some paperwork and by the point she obtained there she was “incapacitated.”
“I couldn’t transfer my arms over my physique,” Drewes mentioned. “He raped me, and he choked me. And whereas he was choking me, I misplaced consciousness. I believed I died.”
Swalwell has denied allegations of sexual assault and rape whereas vaguely admitting to indiscretions.
In an announcement launched by his TV star lawyer Sara Azari, Swalwell on Tuesday denied the newest allegations.
“Congressman Eric Swalwell categorically and unequivocally denies each allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled towards him,” Azari mentioned.
“The timing, nature, and coordinated rollout of those vile and heinous allegations communicate for themselves. That is neither about justice, nor the reality.
“It is a ruthless and shameless try to smear Congressman Swalwell. Congressman Swalwell has devoted his profession to defending the Structure, defending civil liberties, and standing as much as those that abuse energy.”
