Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA) announced his resignation from the House of Representatives on Monday, following a series of sexual assault allegations and the immediate launch of a formal investigation by the House Ethics Committee.
The California Democrat’s departure marks a swift and stunning fall for the high-profile lawmaker, occurring just 24 hours after he suspended his 2026 gubernatorial campaign.
Swalwell’s decision followed reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN detailing allegations from several women, including a former district staffer. In a statement released on X, Swalwell admitted to “mistakes in judgment” but vowed to fight what he characterized as “serious, false allegations.”
“I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make,” Swalwell stated. “However, it’s wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress.”
The House Ethics Committee confirmed Monday that it is investigating whether Swalwell violated the Code of Official Conduct, specifically regarding allegations of sexual misconduct involving an employee under his supervision.
The most severe allegations stem from a former staffer who claims Swalwell assaulted her on two separate occasions when she was unable to consent due to intoxication.
- 2019 Incident: The staffer alleges she woke up naked in Swalwell’s hotel bed in Pleasanton, California, with no memory of how she arrived there.
- 2024 Incident: A second alleged assault occurred in New York City. The victim reported the incident to a medical professional a week later after seeking pregnancy and STD testing.
- Digital Misconduct: Three additional women have come forward alleging they received unsolicited sexually explicit messages and nude photographs from the congressman.
The internal pressure within the Democratic Party reached a breaking point over the weekend. Despite leading the California gubernatorial primary with 17% of the vote in March, Swalwell saw his support vanish as top leadership intervened.
Key figures calling for accountability included:
- Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, who issued a joint statement demanding a “swift investigation.”
- Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who reportedly advised Swalwell to exit the gubernatorial race.
- More than 50 former staffers who signed an open letter describing the allegations as “serious” and “credible.”
Swalwell has not provided a specific effective date for his resignation but indicated he would work with his office to ensure a transition for California’s 14th congressional district.
The Ethics Committee’s probe will likely continue despite the resignation, as the House moves to address the fallout of the most significant misconduct scandal of the 2026 legislative session.
