Rep. Eric Swalwell Resigns Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Representative Eric Swalwell of California announced on April 13, 2026, that he will resign from Congress following a series of sexual assault and misconduct allegations. The announcement came amid bipartisan calls for the Democratic lawmaker to step down and followed the collapse of his campaign for governor of California.

The resignation follows reporting from The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN, which detailed accusations from at least four women. This includes an allegation from a former aide who claimed Swalwell raped her while she was intoxicated and unable to consent.

Swalwell had been a candidate for the California governorship, but he suspended that bid on April 12, 2026. He had most recently appeared at a town hall meeting in Sacramento on April 7, 2026.

Response to Allegations and Expulsion Threats

In a statement posted to X, Swalwell addressed the pressure from his colleagues and the potential for a forced removal from his seat. He noted that some members of Congress were pushing for an immediate expulsion vote, a move that Representative Anna Paulina Luna had planned to introduce as a resolution on April 14, 2026.

I am aware of efforts to bring an immediate expulsion vote against me and other members. Expelling anyone in Congress without due process, within days of an allegation being made, is wrong. But it’s also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. I plan to resign my seat in Congress,

Eric Swalwell

While Swalwell expressed regret for mistakes in judgment made in the past, he denied some of the claims. He stated that he would fight the allegations he considers to be false while still taking responsibility for the mistakes he did make.

House Ethics Committee Investigation

On April 13, 2026, the House Ethics Committee announced it was launching a probe into the misconduct allegations. However, because the committee only maintains jurisdiction over sitting members of Congress, the investigation is expected to end due to Swalwell’s announced resignation.

The push for expulsion was not limited to Swalwell. Lawmakers were reportedly leading a broader effort to remove multiple members of Congress, including Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas, who is also facing misconduct allegations.

Swalwell did not provide a specific date for his departure from office. He stated that he would coordinate with his staff to determine a timeline that serves the needs of the 14th congressional district.