Swalwell Resigns from Congress After Sexual Assault Allegations/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Rep. Eric Swalwell announced he will resign from Congress following multiple sexual misconduct allegations. The California Democrat denied serious claims but acknowledged “mistakes in judgment.” His resignation will trigger a special election in his heavily Democratic district.
Eric Swalwell Resignation Quick Looks
- Rep. Eric Swalwell announces resignation
- Multiple sexual assault allegations reported
- Swalwell denies serious accusations
- House Ethics Committee launches investigation
- Lawmaker apologizes for “mistakes in judgment”
- Bipartisan calls for resignation intensify
- Swalwell drops California governor campaign
- Special election to be held in district
- Seat located outside San Francisco
- Swalwell served seven terms in Congress
- Won district by over 30 points in 2024
- Ethics Committee says investigation ongoing
Deep Look: Eric Swalwell Announces Resignation Amid Misconduct Allegations
Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California announced Monday that he will resign from Congress following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, bringing a swift and dramatic end to the political career of one of the party’s rising figures.
Swalwell’s decision came after bipartisan calls for his resignation intensified and the House Ethics Committee launched an investigation into allegations involving sexual misconduct, including claims involving a staff member.
The seven-term congressman had recently been viewed as a leading candidate in California’s gubernatorial race but suspended his campaign as the allegations surfaced.
Allegations Surface
Reports first published by the San Francisco Chronicle and later by CNN alleged that Swalwell sexually assaulted a woman twice, including during a period when she worked for him.
CNN also reported that three additional women accused Swalwell of various forms of misconduct, including sending unsolicited explicit messages or nude photos.
Swalwell denied the most serious allegations but acknowledged mistakes.
“I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past,” Swalwell wrote in a statement posted to social media.
“I will fight the serious false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make,” he added.
Ethics Investigation Begins
The House Ethics Committee announced Monday that it had opened an investigation into whether Swalwell engaged in sexual misconduct involving an employee working under his supervision.
The committee emphasized that the review does not imply wrongdoing, noting that investigations are conducted to determine facts.
Still, the announcement increased pressure on Swalwell as calls for his resignation mounted.
Political Pressure Builds
Several Democrats joined Republicans in urging Swalwell to step down. The California Democrat acknowledged he was aware of potential efforts to force an expulsion vote in Congress.
Swalwell argued that expulsion without due process would be unfair but ultimately said the controversy would distract from his responsibilities.
“But it’s also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress,” Swalwell wrote.
Special Election Ahead
Swalwell’s resignation will trigger a special election in his district outside San Francisco.
Under California law, the governor must call a special election within 14 days of the vacancy.
Swalwell’s district is considered strongly Democratic. He won reelection in 2024 by more than 30 percentage points, making the seat unlikely to shift parties.
Swift Political Fall
Swalwell’s resignation marks a rapid political downfall for the California Democrat.
Once seen as a rising national figure, Swalwell:
- Served seven terms in Congress
- Ran for president in 2020
- Entered California governor race
- Held positions on key congressional committees
The allegations abruptly halted those ambitions.
Ethics Committee Caution
The House Ethics Committee emphasized that its investigation is ongoing and that opening a probe does not determine guilt.
“The mere fact that the Committee is investigating these allegations does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred,” the panel said.
Still, Swalwell’s resignation underscores the political consequences of the allegations even before findings are completed.
What Comes Next
With Swalwell stepping down, California officials will prepare for a special election to fill the seat.
Meanwhile, the ethics investigation and legal questions surrounding the allegations are expected to continue.
The resignation marks another high-profile political fallout tied to misconduct allegations, reflecting increasing pressure on elected officials to step aside while investigations unfold.
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