The California gubernatorial race took a dramatic turn this week as Rep. Eric Swalwell’s abrupt exit sent shockwaves through an already unpredictable contest, raising fresh questions about leadership, accountability, and the direction of one of the nation’s most influential states.
Fox News host Brian Kilmeade weighed in on the unfolding situation, suggesting that the fallout from Swalwell’s departure could hand Republicans an unexpected opening in a race that once seemed firmly tilted in Democrats’ favor.
Swalwell’s campaign had been under mounting pressure following a series of allegations from multiple women. The accusations ranged from claims that he sent explicit messages, including unsolicited photos and videos, to a more serious allegation from a former staffer who said he sexually assaulted her while she was intoxicated. Swalwell acknowledged “mistakes in judgment” but firmly denied any allegation of sexual assault.
The controversy quickly rippled through his political operation. Numerous staffers resigned from both his gubernatorial campaign and congressional office, while a coalition of current and former aides publicly voiced support for his accusers. At the same time, both the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the House Ethics Committee launched investigations into the matter, intensifying scrutiny on the embattled lawmaker.
By Sunday evening, Swalwell announced he would suspend his bid for governor. Less than 24 hours later, he confirmed he would also resign from Congress, amid growing bipartisan calls for his expulsion from the House.
The rapid collapse of his political standing became a focal point on Fox News’ Outnumbered, where Kilmeade described the situation as both striking and revealing. He pointed out that California Gov. Gavin Newsom had remained notably absent from the process of selecting a potential replacement, choosing instead to “sit it out” as the race shifted dramatically.
According to Kilmeade, the vacuum left behind has created an unusual dynamic, with two Republican candidates suddenly gaining traction “out of nowhere.” He also questioned how Swalwell, who lacked experience in state government, managed to rise so quickly in the race in the first place.
Kilmeade argued that Swalwell’s national profile was built less on state-level accomplishments and more on his vocal opposition to former President Donald Trump, along with past controversies that had already drawn public attention. Despite this, he had secured endorsements from prominent Democratic figures, including Sen. Adam Schiff and other influential party leaders across California.
Those endorsements were swiftly withdrawn as the allegations came to light, underscoring how quickly political alliances can shift when controversy strikes. Kilmeade raised concerns about whether warning signs had been overlooked, questioning how such issues might not have surfaced earlier among top party leadership.
With Swalwell now out, the field appears unsettled. Billionaire Tom Steyer remains in the race, though Kilmeade suggested he has struggled to gain meaningful support, noting his previous lack of traction during a presidential run.
In contrast, Kilmeade floated the possibility that Republican candidate Steve Hilton could benefit from the upheaval, calling the moment a potential opportunity for an unexpected shift in the race.
As the dust settles, the episode serves as a reminder of how quickly political fortunes can change — and how scandals, once ignited, can reshape not only individual careers but the broader electoral landscape.
[READ MORE: U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks Stall as Long-Term Suspension Proposal Meets Resistance]
