Eric Swalwell drops out of 2020 presidential race

(Image credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) has ended his presidential campaign, announcing on Monday afternoon that because his "polling and fundraising numbers weren't what we had hoped for," he can "no longer see a path forward to the nomination."

Swalwell, who announced his presidential bid in April, said in a statement he promised his constituents, supporters, and family that he would "always be honest about our chances," and while he's disappointed in this outcome, he believes he helped shape the discussion on gun violence.

"I entered this race determined to elevate the issue of gun violence, and at the debate, three top-tier candidates embraced my idea to ban and buy back every single assault weapon in America," Swalwell said. "Putting this idea and this larger issue of gun violence front and center in the Democratic policy discussion is an accomplishment, dedicated to the students, moms, and other activists who tirelessly demand action to save American lives."

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Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.