Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) announced his resignation from Congress on Monday, citing "serious" but false allegations and a desire not to distract his constituents from his duties. This decision follows the House Ethics Committee's initiation of an investigation into sexual misconduct claims against him.
The resignation comes after reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN detailed allegations from a former staffer accusing Swalwell of sexual assault, including instances where she was allegedly too intoxicated to consent. Three other women also reportedly accused him of various forms of sexual misconduct, such as sending unsolicited explicit messages or nude photos. Swalwell has consistently denied the sexual assault allegations, calling them "flat false," but acknowledged "mistakes in judgment" in his past.
The House Ethics Committee had announced an investigation into whether Swalwell "violated the Code of Official Conduct" regarding allegations of sexual misconduct, potentially involving an employee under his supervision. His resignation is expected to end this congressional probe, as the committee typically loses jurisdiction over former members. However, the Manhattan District Attorney's office and the Alameda County District Attorney's office have reportedly opened their own investigations into the allegations.
Swalwell's decision marks a swift political downfall for the seven-term lawmaker, who had recently withdrawn from the California gubernatorial race. Prominent Democrats, including Sen. Ruben Gallego, who chaired Swalwell's 2020 presidential campaign, had called for his expulsion, stating, "I support the ethics committee's investigation and believe Eric Swalwell is no longer fit to be a Member of Congress." The situation also unfolded amidst broader discussions in Congress regarding ethics and potential expulsions, with Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales also announcing his retirement from Congress on the same day following allegations against him.
"Expelling anyone in Congress without due process, within days of an allegation being made, is wrong," Swalwell stated on X. > "But it's also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress." He did not specify an exact date for his departure but indicated he would work with staff to ensure continued constituent services.
