Swalwell suspends campaign for governor

He continues to deny allegations of sexual assault

- BY NICOLE NIXON AND SEEMA MEHTA

AT THE California Republican Party Convention in San Diego, supporters cheer on gubernatorial candidates Chad Bianco, top, and Steve Hilton, above.

(JOHN GASTALDO For The Times JAE C. HONG Associated Press)

Embattled Rep. Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor on Sunday but continued to deny he sexually assaulted anyone.

His campaign to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom has all but collapsed as key Democratic supporters, including Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Adam Schiff, abandon him.

"To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past," Swalwell wrote on social media Sunday.

"I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign's."

House ethics rules bar members from having sex with a subordinate, and House Democratic leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries from New York is seeking an investigation into the allegations.

A former Swalwell staffer accused him of forcing himself on her twice when she was too intoxicated to consent, according to reports published by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN. Three other women also accused Swalwell of misconduct that included sending and soliciting explicit photos and messages.

Swalwell’s woes were a topic of interest and amusement at the state Republican Party convention Sunday in San Diego.

The party did not endorse a candidate for governor on Sunday because neither of the top Republicans — Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News host Steve Hilton — received the support of 60% of delegates.

Bianco won 49% while Hilton had 44%; 7% of delegates voted not to endorse in the

“We're very happy,” Bianco said after the vote.