Congressman Eric Swalwell Announces Resignation Following Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell of California declared on Monday his intention to resign from Congress, a decision precipitated by multiple allegations of sexual assault and misconduct that have also terminated his campaign for governor of California. The announcement follows the House ethics committee's disclosure that it has initiated a formal investigation into the congressman.
Swalwell's Statement and Political Fallout
In a statement disseminated via social media, Swalwell expressed profound regret, stating, "I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past." He emphasized his commitment to contesting what he termed "serious false allegations" while accepting responsibility for his errors. Swalwell articulated his resignation rationale, noting, "Expelling anyone in Congress without due process, within days of an allegation being made, is wrong. But it’s also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress."
The House ethics committee, a bipartisan body, confirmed its investigation into allegations that Swalwell may have engaged in sexual misconduct, including incidents involving an employee under his supervision. This probe coincides with mounting bipartisan demands for his resignation or expulsion, intensifying after he suspended his gubernatorial campaign.
Allegations and Campaign Suspension
Swalwell's suspension of his California governor bid followed reports from the San Francisco Chronicle detailing accusations from a former female staffer who alleged the congressman sexually assaulted her on two occasions. CNN subsequently published similar accounts, along with allegations from three additional women who claimed Swalwell sent unsolicited explicit photos or messages.
Prior to these revelations, polls indicated Swalwell held a narrow lead in the race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom. His departure from the contest in this predominantly Democratic state introduces significant complexity, as no clear frontrunner has yet emerged among Democratic candidates, including former congresswoman Katie Porter, billionaire entrepreneur Tom Steyer, former health secretary Xavier Becerra, and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.
Broader Congressional Context and Expulsion Threats
Swalwell is not isolated in facing congressional scrutiny. The House ethics committee is concurrently investigating several other lawmakers, including Texas Republican Tony Gonzales, who admitted to an extramarital affair with a staffer who later died by suicide; Florida Republican Cory Mills, accused of various ethical violations; and Florida Democrat Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, indicted on federal charges related to diverting $5 million in disaster relief funds to her campaign.
Democratic Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez asserted, "Swalwell, Gonzales, Cherfilus-McCormick and Mills should resign. If they refuse, they should be expelled." Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace echoed this sentiment on social media, advocating to "clean House." Additionally, Republican Anna Paulina Luna plans to introduce a resolution to expel Swalwell, while Democrat Teresa Leger Fernández intends to propose one for Gonzales's removal.
Leger Fernández commented, "As I’ve said, Gonzales and Swalwell are not fit to serve in Congress given their sexual transgressions against women who work for them. They should resign or be expelled."
Support and Condemnation from Colleagues
Arizona Representative Ruben Gallego, previously considered a close friend of Swalwell, released a statement supporting the ethics investigation and calling for Swalwell's expulsion. Gallego stated, "I want to be clear: I had no knowledge of the allegations of assault, harassment, and predatory behavior against Eric Swalwell. I trusted someone who I believed was a friend, but it is now clear that he is not the person I thought I knew. The women who have come forward have shown courage. They deserve to be believed, to be supported, and to see justice served."
Historical Precedents and Procedural Requirements
Expulsions from the House of Representatives are rare, necessitating a two-thirds majority vote. Only six members have been forcibly removed from office, most recently New York Congressman George Santos in 2023, following an ethics committee finding of campaign fund misuse and subsequent federal fraud charges, though his sentence was later commuted by Donald Trump.
On the Republican side of the gubernatorial race, former Fox News host Steve Hilton has received an endorsement from Donald Trump, with Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco emerging as his primary challenger.
