U.S. Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell of California made public his decision to resign from Congress on Monday amid multiple sexual assault accusations that resulted in bipartisan demands for his resignation. This marks a rapid political downfall for the seven-term congressman, who withdrew from the California governor’s race after the allegations emerged, which he continues to refute.
Expressing regret to his family, staff, and constituents for past errors in judgment, Swalwell stated on social media that while he would challenge the false accusations against him, he acknowledged accountability for his mistakes. Following allegations of sexual assault by a woman who worked for him, Swalwell faced swift abandonment by fellow Democrats. The claims were initially reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and later picked up by CNN.
The woman alleged that two incidents of assault took place, with the first occurring in 2019 while she was in Swalwell’s employment, and the second reportedly happening after a charity event in 2024. She asserted that she was incapacitated on both occasions, preventing her from consenting to sexual activity. Concerns about being disbelieved deterred her from involving law enforcement.
While the woman’s identity remains undisclosed, independent verification of her claims has not been established by The Associated Press. The House ethics committee initiated an inquiry into the allegations, clarifying that the investigation itself does not imply any wrongdoing.
The reported 2024 incident, which allegedly occurred in New York, prompted an investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. The office urged individuals with relevant information to contact its special victims division.
Despite his denial of the allegations in a video released on Friday, Swalwell hinted at infidelity in various statements. Additional women, including Democratic strategist Ally Sammarco, came forward to accuse the congressman of sexual impropriety. The unfolding events have significant political implications, particularly in the context of the California gubernatorial race.
Eric Swalwell, elected to the U.S. House in 2012 representing a district east of San Francisco, initiated a brief presidential campaign in 2019 that ended due to lackluster support. Following the heightened visibility from his campaign, Swalwell emerged as a prominent Democratic critic of former President Donald Trump and played a key role as a House manager during Trump’s impeachment proceedings in early 2021.
In prior interactions with the FBI, Swalwell disclosed contact with Christine Fang, a suspected Chinese intelligence operative, during his 2012 and 2014 election campaigns. He ceased communication with Fang upon being alerted by federal authorities, and subsequent investigations found no evidence of misconduct, leading to the closure of the House ethics committee inquiry.
Swalwell’s withdrawal from the California governor’s race has disrupted the political landscape, with various candidates vying for his supporters in a fiercely contested primary race. The departure of Swalwell, who held a lead in polls, has prompted a realignment of endorsements and alliances among the crowded field of contenders, including prominent figures like Katie Porter, Xavier Becerra, and Tom Steyer, as well as Republican candidates Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco.
In response to calls from both Democrats and Republicans for his resignation, Swalwell rejected the notion of an immediate expulsion vote without due process. However, recognizing the distraction his situation posed to his constituents, he announced his intention to step down from Congress. This development raises the prospect of similar expulsion votes against other lawmakers, with Republican Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas opting to retire from Congress amid his own controversy. The shifting dynamics in the U.S. House underscore the ongoing political turbulence as parties navigate a closely divided legislative landscape.
