(Los Angeles, CA – April 13, 2026) We do not applaud Congressman Swalwell for suspending his campaign. This is the bare minimum not accountability.
At every level of government & in society, complicity and delay have created the conditions for this moment. We will not confuse political calculation or withdrawal from a race with full responsibility.
Once again, we are reminded that despite public statements, our society does not consistently believe women. Survivors are too often met with skepticism, their motives questioned, credibility attacked, and experiences minimized unless they meet an ever-shifting and unreasonable burden of proof.
There is always a reason offered to excuse the inexcusable – until there is not. In this case, we are deep in one of the most important Gubernatorial primaries in our State’s history, years of whisper campaigns are finally coming to a head, and survivors are bravely sharing their stories – some of which are unsurprising to the political establishment.
This is a failure of political culture, institutions, and leadership to respond with urgency, clarity, and integrity.
As an organization committed to advancing women in political leadership, the National Women’s Political Caucus of California recognizes our responsibility to lead in this moment. We are committed to strengthening our candidate vetting processes, investing in deeper due diligence, and ensuring that our endorsements reflect not only shared values, but demonstrated integrity. And every time we hesitate, we deepen the distrust people already feel toward our institutions and the structures that shape them.
This responsibility doesn’t stop here.
While Congressman Eric Swalwell has suspended his campaign for Governor of California, he will remain on the ballot.
This moment demands more than a single decision by one candidate. It calls for collective accountability.
The onus is now on the remaining candidates and everyone who supports them to reach voters across California with honesty and urgency. Rebuilding trust is not automatic. It requires action.
Earlier this year, NWPC California endorsed Betty Yee for Governor. She represents the kind of leadership this moment calls for: experienced, principled, and accountable to the people of California.
Our endorsement reflects both her qualifications and our belief in the quality of leadership Californians need and deserve in this moment.
Believing women is not, and should not be treated as, a slogan we deploy when convenient. It is a standard. And we will hold leaders to it.
In sisterhood,
Angelica Ramos-Allen
President, NWPC California
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The National Women’s Political Caucus, founded in 1971, is the oldest national, multi-partisan, grassroots organization dedicated to identifying, recruiting, training, electing, and supporting pro-choice women candidates for elected and appointed office.
