Of course Eric Swalwell should drop out of the gubernatorial race

California’s weird gubernatorial race just got weirder with the ongoing implosion of Rep. Eric Swalwell’s campaign.

“Rep. Eric Swalwell’s campaign for governor was reeling Friday after two news reports detailed accusations of sexual assault and misconduct, with multiple staffers resigning and both prominent allies and rival candidates calling on the California Democrat to exit the race,” reports Politico.

Reporting by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN detailed multiple reports by women alleging sexual misconduct, including rape, by the Democratic congressman.

Campaign spokesperson Micah Beasley told NBC News of one of the reports, “This false, outrageous rumor is being spread 27 days before an election begins by flailing opponents who have sadly teamed up with MAGA conspiracy theorists because they know Eric Swalwell is the frontrunner in this race.”

It’s unknown to me whether the allegations are true, but Swalwell’s longtime friend and ally Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona pulled his endorsement of Swalwell. That says something.

The California Teachers Association also pulled its support, as did Sen. Adam Schiff and Rep. Nancy Pelosi.

Sen. Alex Padilla, who didn’t endorse Swalwell, has called on him to drop out of the race. “Given the gravity of these claims, Rep. Eric Swalwell should step aside to ensure a full, transparent investigation free from undue influence,” he posted on X.

Effectively, the entire Democratic political establishment that tried to rally behind him to encourage Democratic voters to rally behind someone to prevent a top-two lockout has turned on him.

Swalwell of course hasn’t been arrested or charged with anything and should be able to respond to allegations. For his part, according to CNN, he has sent cease-and-desist letters and has denied the allegations. The outlet, however, reports it “found corroboration for key elements of each of the women’s claims, including the former staffer who said she was sexually assaulted.”

The state of California has a lot of problems that demand the full attention of whoever succeeds Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The last thing the Golden State needs is a governor under fire for multiple accusations of sexual misconduct.

With ballots going out to voters in a few weeks, Swalwell should put his own ego aside and drop out of the race and give the other candidates room to make their case to voters.

If he is ultimately vindicated, that might bode well for him for future public service. But for now, it’s kind of impossible to make the case he should stay in the race unless you’re a campaign staffer who badly needs the money.

Unless, that is, you’re Steve Hilton or Chad Bianco and are reveling in the chaos of the Democratic field.

Sal Rodriguez can be reached at salrodriguez@scng.com