Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., announced Monday his intent to resign from Congress following sexual misconduct allegations that prompted him to suspend his California governor campaign the day before and drew bipartisan calls for his expulsion. Swalwell denied the claims but cited the distraction to constituents as his reason for stepping down.
In a social media statement, the seven-term Democrat from California's 14th District said: '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. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress.' Swalwell, 45, did not specify an effective date; Gov. Gavin Newsom would then call a special election within 14 days for the safely Democratic Bay Area seat.
The resignation follows his Sunday suspension of the gubernatorial bid (see prior coverage), amid allegations that surfaced last week via social media and were detailed by women in reports to the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN, including claims of unwanted advances and rape by a former staffer. Swalwell has denied sexual assault, calling the claims false, while apologizing for past judgment errors. The allegations have not been independently verified by NPR.
Democratic leaders including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi withdrew support. Over 50 former staffers demanded his resignation, Sen. Ruben Gallego urged expulsion, and the House Ethics Committee launched a probe Monday into possible misconduct, including toward supervised employees—a process his resignation would halt.
