Embattled Rep. Swalwell Resigns Amid Misconduct Allegations

California Democrat faces investigations over sexual misconduct and hiring issues

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:28pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government office space, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows obscuring details. The scene conveys a sense of political disillusionment and ethical decay.The resignation of Rep. Swalwell amid misconduct allegations casts a somber shadow over the halls of Congress.Manhattan Today

Rep. Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat, has announced his resignation from Congress amid a series of allegations, including sexual misconduct and hiring a nanny with an expired work permit. The allegations have led to investigations by the Manhattan District Attorney's office and the Department of Homeland Security. Swalwell denies any wrongdoing, but more than 50 of his former staffers have signed a letter calling the allegations 'serious' and 'credible', and urging him to resign.

Why it matters

Swalwell's resignation comes after a tumultuous period, including previous allegations of his relationship with a suspected Chinese spy. The new allegations have led to bipartisan calls for his resignation, with some House Democrats saying they would vote to expel him. The investigations and resignation raise questions about ethics and accountability in Congress.

The details

The allegations against Swalwell include a woman who said she was too intoxicated to consent to sex with him, as well as hiring a Brazilian national as a nanny for his children despite the nanny's expired work permit. Swalwell is also under investigation by the Department of Homeland Security for the nanny hiring issue, and federal election reports indicate the nanny was paid $46,930 in campaign funds.

  • Last week, the allegations of sexual misconduct started coming in fast and furious.
  • On Monday, Swalwell announced his resignation from Congress.
  • In 2020, the House Ethics Committee ended a two-year investigation of Swalwell's relationship with a suspected Chinese spy, Christine Feng.

The players

Rep. Eric Swalwell

A California Democratic congressman who has announced his resignation from Congress amid allegations of sexual misconduct and hiring issues.

Manhattan District Attorney's Office

The office investigating the sexual misconduct allegations against Swalwell.

Department of Homeland Security

The agency investigating Swalwell for hiring a nanny with an expired work permit.

Rep. Ro Khanna

A fellow California Democratic congressman who called the allegations against Swalwell 'despicable' and 'demeaning to the integrity of Congress.'

Christine Feng

A suspected Chinese spy who helped raise funds for Swalwell's 2014 reelection campaign and was said to provide more personal services as well.

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What they’re saying

“The allegations are 'despicable' and 'demean the integrity of Congress.'”

— Rep. Ro Khanna, California Democratic congressman

What’s next

The Manhattan District Attorney's office and the Department of Homeland Security will continue their investigations into the allegations against Swalwell.

The takeaway

Swalwell's resignation amid these serious allegations highlights the need for greater accountability and ethical standards in Congress. The investigations raise concerns about the integrity of elected officials and the potential misuse of campaign funds.