Lisa Bloom and Rep. Mark DeSaulnier Join California Politics 360

On April 19, 2026, attorney Lisa Bloom, representing an alleged victim in an ongoing investigation into U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell, publicly addressed the case during a separate interview on California Politics 360, joining fellow guest Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, the ranking Democrat on the House Ethics Committee.

Bloom’s remarks came amid heightened scrutiny of Swalwell, a Democrat from California’s 14th congressional district, following allegations that prompted an ethics inquiry by the House Committee on Ethics. The investigation, which began in late 2024, centers on claims of inappropriate conduct and potential misuse of congressional resources, though specific details remain under confidential review.

During the interview, Bloom emphasized the importance of due process for all parties involved, stating that her client seeks accountability through proper investigative channels rather than public spectacle. She declined to disclose specific allegations but affirmed that the matter involves serious concerns requiring thorough examination by the Ethics Committee.

Rep. DeSaulnier, who has served on the House Ethics Committee since 2015 and assumed the role of ranking Democrat in 2023, echoed the need for a fair and impartial process. He confirmed that the committee is actively reviewing the complaint in accordance with established rules and procedures, noting that all members are bound by confidentiality obligations during the investigative phase.

The House Ethics Committee operates under strict confidentiality guidelines, meaning that neither the existence nor the details of an investigation are typically disclosed unless a formal report is released or charges are recommended. As of April 2026, no public findings or sanctions have been issued in the Swalwell matter.

Swalwell, first elected to Congress in 2012, has faced previous scrutiny over his past relationship with a Chinese national alleged to have ties to intelligence operations, a matter that led to an FBI briefing in 2020 but resulted in no charges. The current ethics inquiry is distinct from that earlier counterintelligence concern and focuses solely on internal House conduct rules.

California Politics 360, a statewide public affairs program produced in partnership with California-based media outlets, features in-depth interviews with policymakers, legal experts, and advocates on issues affecting the state and its federal representatives. The segment featuring Bloom and DeSaulnier aired as part of its weekly ethics and accountability series.

As of the date of the interview, Representative Swalwell has not issued a public statement responding to the specific allegations under review. His congressional office directed inquiries to the House Ethics Committee process and declined further comment.

The House Ethics Committee has not announced a timeline for completing its review. Investigations into congressional conduct can span several months, depending on the complexity of the allegations and the availability of witnesses and documentation.