Rep. Eric Swalwell to Resign After Misconduct Allegations

The California Democrat faces bipartisan calls to step down amid sexual assault and misconduct claims.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:29am

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A dimly lit, cinematic government office space with a lone desk and chair, the scene bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the political fallout from a high-profile resignation.The resignation of a prominent California congressman amid misconduct allegations casts a somber tone over the nation's capital.Washington Today

Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California announced he will resign from Congress following sexual assault and misconduct allegations that prompted bipartisan calls for him to step down. The House Ethics Committee had opened an investigation into whether Swalwell engaged in sexual misconduct toward an employee under his supervision. Swalwell said he will fight the 'serious false allegations' but must 'take responsibility' for past mistakes in judgment.

Why it matters

Swalwell was a prominent Democratic voice in Congress, serving on the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees. His resignation comes after he was previously removed from the Intelligence Committee in 2023 over his contact with a suspected Chinese spy. The allegations and ethics probe have dealt a swift political blow to Swalwell's career.

The details

The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN first reported allegations that Swalwell had sexually assaulted a woman twice, including when she worked for him. CNN also reported that three other women alleged various kinds of sexual misconduct by Swalwell, including sending unsolicited explicit messages or nude photos. Swalwell has denied the allegations but said he must 'take responsibility' for past mistakes.

  • Swalwell announced his resignation on Monday, April 14, 2026.
  • The House Ethics Committee had opened an investigation into the allegations against Swalwell.

The players

Rep. Eric Swalwell

A seven-term Democratic congressman from California who was seen as a frontrunner in the state's gubernatorial race before dropping out amid the misconduct allegations.

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A Republican congressman from Texas who also announced plans to retire from Congress, citing an affair with a staff member who later died by suicide.

Sen. Ruben Gallego

An Arizona Democratic senator who was among Swalwell's prominent allies to call for his resignation.

Sen. Adam Schiff

A California Democratic senator who withdrew his endorsement for Swalwell's gubernatorial bid and said the allegations were 'shocking and deeply upsetting.'

Christine Fang

A suspected Chinese spy who was reported to have come into contact with Swalwell's campaign when he first ran for Congress in 2012, leading to his removal from the House Intelligence Committee in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past. I will fight the serious false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.”

— Rep. Eric Swalwell

“The whole thing is just shocking and deeply upsetting. I think he made the right decision to resign.”

— Sen. Adam Schiff

What’s next

The House Ethics Committee investigation into the allegations against Swalwell is uncertain to continue now that he has announced his resignation. A special election will be called in Swalwell's California district to fill the vacancy.

The takeaway

Swalwell's resignation highlights the swift political consequences of sexual misconduct allegations, even for high-profile lawmakers. It also raises questions about the future of the House Ethics Committee probe and the special election process to replace Swalwell in Congress.