Congressman Eric Swalwell Announces Resignation Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations
California Congressman Eric Swalwell has declared his resignation from Congress, following a storm of sexual misconduct allegations and a newly launched House Ethics Committee investigation. In a statement released on Monday afternoon, the top Democrat expressed deep regret while vowing to contest what he termed false accusations.
Swalwell's Statement and Decision to Step Down
Eric Swalwell wrote, 'I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past. 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 that he was aware of efforts to bring an immediate expulsion vote against him and other members, arguing that expelling anyone without due process 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,' Swalwell concluded, pledging to work with his staff to ensure continuity in serving California's 14th congressional district.
Ethics Committee Investigation and Allegations
The House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into Swalwell on Monday, focusing on allegations that he may have engaged in sexual misconduct, including towards an employee under his supervision. The committee emphasised that the investigation does not itself indicate any violation has occurred, but it follows bombshell claims from multiple women.
One woman alleged that the married Swalwell raped her twice in 2019 and 2024 while she was too intoxicated to consent, marking her as one of four women who have made accusations against the Democrat. These allegations prompted Swalwell to drop his bid for California Governor over the weekend, with him stating, 'I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that's my fight, not a campaign's.'
Broader Context and Political Pressure
Swalwell and Texas Republican Tony Gonzales are both being targeted following disturbing allegations of sexual misconduct with past subordinates. Gonzales abandoned his congressional reelection bid last month amid pressure over an alleged affair with a subordinate who later died by suicide. Both men faced career-ending actions driven by leaders within their own political parties.
Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna of Florida noted on social media that more damaging information about Swalwell is expected to emerge, hinting at a video involving a female sex worker. A video of Swalwell and a woman in a bed circulated online, with at least two other individuals appearing present. Swalwell is married to Brittany Watts and is a father of three young children.
Calls for Resignation and Expulsion Votes
Luna and Democratic Women's Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández of New Mexico are both calling for Swalwell and Gonzales to resign or face expulsion votes from their colleagues. They could potentially be removed alongside Democrat Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Republican Cory Mills, both Florida Representatives.
Cherfilus-McCormick was found guilty by a House Ethics panel last month of numerous violations, including the alleged theft of $5 million in taxpayer funds, adding to the ethical turmoil on Capitol Hill. This series of events underscores a growing scrutiny of conduct among lawmakers, with Swalwell's resignation marking a significant fallout from the allegations.
