Rep. Eric Swalwell Resigns from Congress Amid Misconduct Allegations

Former close friend Sen. Ruben Gallego distances himself from Swalwell, calling him unfit for office

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:54am by

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A quiet, cinematic painting of an empty congressional office, with a lone desk and chair bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of melancholy and the weight of scandal.The resignation of Rep. Eric Swalwell casts a somber shadow over the halls of Congress, as the fallout from allegations of misconduct raises broader questions about accountability and integrity in Washington.San Francisco Today

Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., has announced his resignation from Congress following allegations of sexual assault and misconduct from a former staffer and three other women. The news comes shortly after Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., a longtime friend of Swalwell's, publicly distanced himself from the lawmaker, saying he had no prior knowledge of the allegations and that Swalwell is no longer fit to serve in Congress.

Why it matters

The resignation of a sitting member of Congress due to serious allegations of sexual misconduct is a significant political development that raises questions about accountability, due process, and the culture within the halls of power in Washington. The fallout could have broader implications for Swalwell's political future and the Democratic party.

The details

According to reports, Swalwell faced mounting pressure from his congressional colleagues to resign after the House Ethics Committee launched an investigation into the allegations against him. The allegations include claims of sexual assault and misconduct from a former staffer and three other women. Swalwell had previously been considered a rising star in the Democratic party and was running for governor of California before ending his campaign in the wake of the scandal.

  • On April 14, 2026, the San Francisco Chronicle published a report detailing the allegations against Swalwell.
  • Shortly after the report, Sen. Ruben Gallego, a longtime friend of Swalwell's, publicly distanced himself from the lawmaker.
  • On April 17, 2026, Swalwell announced his resignation from Congress.

The players

Rep. Eric Swalwell

A Democratic member of Congress from California who has resigned amid allegations of sexual assault and misconduct from a former staffer and three other women.

Sen. Ruben Gallego

A Democratic senator from Arizona who was once described by Swalwell as his "best friend in the world," but has now publicly distanced himself from Swalwell and called him unfit for Congress.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I want to be clear: I had no knowledge of the allegations of assault, harassment, and predatory behavior against Eric Swalwell. The women who have come forward have shown courage. They deserve to be believed, to be supported, and to see justice served.”

— Sen. Ruben Gallego, U.S. Senator, Arizona

“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.”

— Rep. Eric Swalwell

What’s next

The House Ethics Committee will continue its investigation into the allegations against Swalwell, even though he has resigned from Congress. The fallout from this scandal could also impact Swalwell's political future and the Democratic party more broadly.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges around allegations of sexual misconduct in positions of power, and the need for thorough investigations and due process to ensure accountability while also protecting the rights of both accusers and the accused. The swift downfall of a rising political star like Swalwell serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of personal conduct and integrity for elected officials.