Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell of California announced his resignation from Congress on Monday, April 13, 2026. This decision follows multiple allegations of sexual assault and mounting bipartisan pressure for his departure.

Political Career Under Scrutiny

The resignation marks a significant turn for the seven-term lawmaker, who was previously considered a leading candidate for California governor. He withdrew from the gubernatorial race as the allegations surfaced.

Swalwell has consistently denied the accusations leveled against him. In a statement shared on social media, he expressed regret for past mistakes in judgment. He stated, "I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past."

He affirmed his intention to fight the "serious false allegation made against me" while accepting responsibility for admitted errors in judgment. The congressman's statement also noted, "I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made - but that's my fight, not a campaign's."

House Ethics Committee Investigation

The House Ethics Committee launched an investigation into whether Rep. Swalwell engaged in sexual misconduct with an employee under his supervision. The committee's announcement came just one day after Swalwell suspended his gubernatorial campaign due to the emergence of these allegations.

The initiation of an investigation, including public disclosure, does not inherently mean a violation has occurred, the Ethics Committee emphasized. However, the probe could potentially delay other immediate congressional actions.

Bipartisan Calls for Resignation

Calls for Swalwell's resignation came from both Democratic and Republican parties. Discussions had arisen regarding a potential House vote to expel the congressman, though no specific action was scheduled.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., announced plans to file a motion to expel Swalwell over the weekend. This move could potentially prompt Democrats to initiate similar votes against Republican members, such as Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas, who admitted to an affair with a former staff member.

Details of the Allegations

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that a woman accused Swalwell of sexual assault in 2019 and 2024. The newspaper reviewed text messages and spoke with individuals the accuser had confided in.

The woman claimed she did not report the incidents to the police due to fear of not being believed. The first alleged assault occurred in 2019 while she was employed by Swalwell. The second alleged incident took place after a charity gala in 2024.

In both instances, the woman stated she was too intoxicated to consent to sex. Democrats, including Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., have voiced that both Swalwell and Gonzales should resign, emphasizing the importance of believing women and rejecting such behavior.

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., stated on "Meet The Press" that he would vote to expel both congressmen if such a vote occurred, deeming their actions "completely unacceptable."

Broader Implications

The situation highlights deep divisions within Congress regarding sexual misconduct allegations. It also underscores the immediate implications for the political futures of the individuals involved.

This case could establish precedents for how future conduct among elected officials is handled and potentially influence campaign strategies moving forward.