The US House Ethics Committee has launched an investigation into Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell following multiple allegations of sexual abuse, which led to the end of his campaign for governor of California. The committee announced the probe on Monday, stating that the disclosure of the review does not imply any violation has occurred.
Allegations against Swalwell emerged in reports by CNN and The San Francisco Chronicle, including accusations from four women of inappropriate sexual behaviour. One former staffer claimed she was sexually assaulted by Swalwell in 2019 and again in 2024. Swalwell, once a frontrunner for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, withdrew from the race on Sunday after many Democrats called for his exit.
The House is now considering the expulsion of several members facing ethics investigations. Among them are Republican Tony Gonzales of Texas, who admitted to an affair with a former staffer who later died by suicide and announced he would not seek re-election, and Republican Cory Mills of Florida, who is being investigated for campaign finance violations and domestic violence. Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida was found to have committed 25 ethics violations last month.
Historically, expulsion from Congress has been reserved for convictions of crimes or treason. However, some lawmakers from both parties have called for a clean sweep of all members under investigation. Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina said, “Time to clean House. They should resign IMMEDIATELY. If they don’t, we should expel all of them.”
The House Ethics Committee, composed of equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans, typically halts investigations if the Department of Justice begins its own probe. Even if Swalwell resigns, the committee may continue its investigation, as it did with former Representative Matt Gaetz in 2024.
