Eric Swalwell to resign from Congress following sexual assault allegations

Rep. Eric Swalwell announced Monday his intention to resign from Congress following allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.

“I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past,” Swalwell wrote in a post on X. “I will fight the serious, false allegations made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.”

Swalwell did not make clear when his resignation would take effect.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have called for the Democratic congressman to resign following the allegations, which he has strenuously denied.

One former staffer told the San Francisco Chronicle that Swalwell sexually assaulted her twice while she was intoxicated. One of the instances allegedly happened in a New York City hotel room in 2024, leading the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office to confirm it was opening an investigation into the congressman.

CNN reported that three more women accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including receiving unsolicited nude photos and explicit messages from him. One woman told NOTUS she was working as a Capitol Hill intern when she was allegedly sexually harassed by the congressman.

“These allegations of sexual assault are flat false,” Swalwell said in a video Friday. “They are absolutely false. They did not happen, they have never happened and I will fight them with everything that I have. They also come on the eve of an election where I have been the frontrunner candidate for governor in California.”

Swalwell suspended his campaign Sunday evening after more than 50 of his former staffers had called on him to do so and resign from Congress.

California Sen. Alex Padilla, who has not endorsed anyone in the crowded governor’s race, told reporters Monday that the allegations against Swalwell were “absolutely horrific.”

“There should be a full investigation and accountability,” Padilla said “I’m glad he stepped out of the governor’s race and is resigning from Congress. That’s doing the right thing.”

On Saturday, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna said that she planned to force a vote on an expulsion resolution against Swalwell this week. Earlier on Monday, the House Committee on Ethics announced it was opening an investigation into the lawmaker’s conduct.

“I am aware of efforts to bring an immediate expulsion vote against me and other members,” Swalwell continued in his resignation announcement. “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 was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2012. His resignation comes as several other members of Congress are facing potential expulsion over their own scandals.

Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, the Democratic Women’s Caucus chair, said Sunday she would force an expulsion vote for Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales, who is under investigation by the House Committee on Ethics for alleged sexual misconduct. In early March, Gonzales admitted to having an affair with an aide, who later died by self-immolation.

“Eric Swalwell just resigned from Congress, partially so he wouldn’t have to face a vote on his sexual misconduct,” Fernández posted on X. “Representative Tony Gonzales has admitted to the wrongdoing, he has admitted to having sexual relationships which is basically sexual assault of his staff members. I intend to continue with my resolution to expel Tony Gonzales.”

Gonzales announced late Monday that he too would resign from Congress.

“There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas,” Gonzales said in a post on X.

It is unclear if or when California Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to call a special election to fill Swalwell’s seat.

This story was produced as part of a partnership between NOTUS — a publication from the nonpartisan Allbritton Journalism Institute — and NEWSWELL, home of Times of San Diego, Santa Barbara News-Press and Stocktonia.