Calls grow for Swalwell to quit California governor race after sexual assault allegations

The Democratic congressman, a leading candidate in the race, has strongly denied the accusations saying he will fight with "facts".

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"These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor," he said in a statement after multiple women made allegations ranging from sexual harassment to rape.

Within hours of the accusations surfacing on Friday, Swalwell - one of the leading candidates to replace outgoing governor Gavin Newsom - lost backing from prominent supporters, including Senator Adam Schiff and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Swalwell has vowed to defend himself with "facts".

The first allegation against Swalwell emerged publicly on Friday in the San Francisco Chronicle.