Eric Swalwell Resigns Amid Yacht Video and Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Disgraced California Democrat Eric Swalwell has resigned from Congress following the emergence of a video showing him partying on a yacht in a bathrobe and multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. The 45-year-old politician, once considered a frontrunner to succeed Gavin Newsom as governor of California, announced his resignation on Monday after four women came forward with accusations.
Yacht Party Video Surfaces
A newly-unearthed video from September 2022 shows Swalwell onboard the 200-foot Arience yacht as it traveled around St. Tropez. Sources familiar with the trip told media outlets that two of the Democrat's friends chartered the yacht after flying from Las Vegas to the French Riviera, then called Swalwell to join them. He arrived by commercial flight and joined four or five men on the ship, along with a group of young women seen dancing in the video.
Sources described the atmosphere as secretive, with participants told to keep Swalwell's presence "hush-hush" and that "everything stays on the boat." One source quipped that Swalwell "didn't seem like a politician" but rather "more like president of a frat house." The week-long excursion reportedly featured ample alcohol, jet skiing, and lounging on deck, with some women being replaced by others during the trip.
Multiple Accusations Emerge
The yacht video emerged just days after multiple women accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct in a bombshell report. A former staffer told CNN that Swalwell raped her twice when she was too intoxicated to consent in 2019 and 2024. She described waking up in April 2024 to Swalwell having sex with her in his hotel bed after a night of heavy drinking in New York City, saying she was pushing him off and saying "no" but he didn't stop.
Ally Sammarco, a 28-year-old political content creator, came forward to share her experience, alleging that Swalwell sent her unsolicited nude photos and "became very inappropriate" over text messages. She told media outlets that their communication began when she messaged him in 2021 hoping to discuss politics, but he instead commented on her appearance and insinuated they should hook up.
Another woman claimed Swalwell kissed her and touched her leg without consent, waking up naked in his hotel room the next morning without realizing it was his. She said she still has flashbacks of the representative grabbing her as she told him "no."
Investigations and Resignations
Following the allegations, both the Manhattan District Attorney's Office and the House Ethics Committee launched investigations into the claims. Swalwell initially suspended his campaign for governor on Sunday, saying he was "deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past" but would fight the "false allegations."
Just one day later, he announced his resignation from Congress, stating: "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 for the mistakes I did make."
Swalwell acknowledged awareness of efforts to force an immediate expulsion vote but warned that removing a lawmaker without due process "within days of an allegation being made" would be wrong. He added that it was "also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties" and therefore planned to resign his seat.
The married politician, who had been in Congress for nearly nine years at the time of the yacht trip, said he would work with his staff to ensure his district continues to be served after his departure. The scandal marks a dramatic fall for a politician who had been considered a rising star in California politics before the allegations surfaced.
