(KRON) -- Calls for Rep. Eric Swalwell to drop out of the California governor's race are growing following Friday's bombshell report alleging he sexually assaulted a former staffer. The San Francisco Chronicle broke the story Friday. The allegations come from a former staffer who began working for Swalwell at his Castro Valley district office in 2019. Several other candidates in the governor's race have called for Swalwell to drop out, including San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, State Controller Betty Yee, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, and former candidate, Ian Calderon. Former Swalwell staffer claims gubernatorial candidate sexually assaulted her: report "The accusations outlined against Rep. Eric Swalwell are sickening," Yee said in a statement. "He needs to withdrawal from the governor's race and resign from Congress, immediately. Let the women speak." California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks called the allegations "deeply disturbing," and reiterated his call for all candidates to "honestly assess the viability of their candidacy and campaign." Tom Steyer, another leading Democrat in the gubernatorial race, put a statement out on X, saying, "I commend the brave former staffer who came forward with her story about Eric Swalwell. Speaking out is never easy, and her account must be taken seriously. At a moment like this, we must make sure that women are heard, and justice is pursued." Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., speaks during the House Intelligence Committee, Nov. 15, 2019, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) Former Rep. Katie Porter, another leading Democrat in the race, called the allegations horrifying, but stopped short of calling for Swalwell to drop out. "The allegations against Congressman Swalwell are horrifying," Porter tweeted. "I'm thinking of the courageous women who have come forward to share their stories. We believe you and we stand with you." Sheriff Chad Bianco, one of two Republicans in the governor's race, also tweeted, saying, "Eric must not just resign from the governors race but resign from Congress." Rep. Ro Khanna, another Bay Area Democrat who has been a leading voice in efforts to release the Epstein Files, said Swalwell "must be held accountable." The California Teachers Association, which had previously endorsed Swalwell, rescinded its endorsement. "The allegations are incredibly disturbing and unacceptable against Rep. Swalwell. We are immediately suspending our support," said CTA President David Goldberg. "Our elected board will be meeting as soon as possible to follow our union's democratic process to determine next steps." Southern California Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who had previously endorsed Swalwell, also called on him to drop out. "Today I learned shocking information about Eric Swalwell containing the ugliest and most serious accusations imaginable," Gomez said. "My involvement in any campaign begins and ends with trust. I cannot in good conscience remain in any role with this campaign, and I am stepping down from it effective immediately." "The congressman should leave the race now so there can be full accountability without doubt, distraction, or delay," he added. Sen. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat who has vocally backed Swalwell, also called upon him to withdraw. "I have read the San Francisco Chronicle's account and I am deeply distressed by its allegations," Schiff tweeted. "This woman was brave to come forward, and we should take her story seriously." "I am withdrawing my endorsement immediately, and believe that he should withdraw from the race," Schiff added. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, another Democratic candidate for governor, also called on Swalwell to resign. "Now that victims are finally being heard, it has become abundantly clear that Eric Swalwell must withdraw from the governor's race and immediately resign from Congress," Villaraigosa said in a statement. "I'm calling on him to live by the words that he has repeatedly professes, and encourage all victims to come forward to speak freely without fear of threats or legal retribution from Mr. Swalwell so that he can face accountability for his alleged actions." Congressman Swalwell has denied the allegations, telling KRON4, “These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor. For nearly 20 years, I have served the public — as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women.” “I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action,” he continued. “My focus in the coming days is to be with my wife and children and defend our decades of service against these lies.” Stick with KRON4 for the latest updates on this developing story. ...read more read less