Rep. Eric Swalwell to Resign from Congress Amid Allegations

The seven-term California lawmaker faced bipartisan calls to step down following sexual assault and misconduct claims.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:52am

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A quiet, cinematic painting of an empty congressional office space, with a lone chair and desk bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of solitude and contemplation in the wake of a political scandal.The resignation of Rep. Eric Swalwell amid sexual assault allegations casts a somber, reflective mood over the once-bustling halls of Congress.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 decision caps a swift political fall for the seven-term lawmaker, who had been seen as a leading candidate in California's gubernatorial race before dropping out. The allegations include claims that Swalwell sexually assaulted a woman twice, including when she worked for him, as well as other reports of sexual misconduct.

Why it matters

The allegations against Swalwell have led to a swift downfall of his political career, with the House Ethics Committee launching an investigation and other lawmakers pushing for his expulsion from Congress. The case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual misconduct allegations against public officials and the consequences they can face, even at the highest levels of government.

The details

The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN first reported the allegations against Swalwell, which include claims that he 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 them unsolicited explicit messages or nude photos. Swalwell has denied the allegations but said he must 'take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes' he made in the past.

  • On April 14, 2026, Swalwell announced he will resign from Congress.
  • The House Ethics Committee had begun an investigation into whether Swalwell engaged in sexual misconduct toward an employee working under his supervision.

The players

Rep. Eric Swalwell

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

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A Republican congressman from Texas who also announced plans to retire from office, facing renewed calls for an expulsion vote in the wake of the allegations against Swalwell.

Sen. Ruben Gallego

An Arizona Democratic senator who was among the prominent allies who quickly called on Swalwell to resign.

Sen. Adam Schiff

A California Democratic senator who withdrew his endorsement for Swalwell's gubernatorial bid and said the allegations are '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's investigation into the allegations against Swalwell is uncertain, as the panel often ends its investigations when lawmakers resign. A special election will be called in Swalwell's district within 14 days of his resignation.

The takeaway

The allegations against Swalwell and his subsequent resignation highlight the ongoing issue of sexual misconduct allegations against public officials and the consequences they can face, even at the highest levels of government. The case underscores the importance of accountability and the need for thorough investigations into such claims.