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California Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell formally resigned his House seat on Tuesday amid mounting sexual misconduct allegations that threatened his political career. The resignation, effective immediately as of 2 p.m. Tuesday, came ahead of potential expulsion efforts that were gaining momentum in the House.
In a resignation letter read aloud on the House floor, Swalwell acknowledged making mistakes while simultaneously denying the most serious accusations against him. “I will fight the serious false allegations made against me,” Swalwell wrote. “However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.”
The five-term congressman’s political downfall unfolded rapidly over the past week. Five women, including one former staffer, have accused him of sexual misconduct or rape. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office has opened a criminal investigation into an alleged incident in a New York City hotel room, and FBI Director Kash Patel has reportedly invited Swalwell to speak with federal investigators about the allegations.
Swalwell’s resignation appears strategically timed to preempt an expulsion measure from Representative Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., who had promised to force a vote if he did not voluntarily leave Congress. “I have just been notified that Eric Swalwell has officially submitted his resignation to the House Clerk,” Luna confirmed on social media platform X. “Effective immediately.”
In his resignation letter, Swalwell specifically addressed the potential expulsion, writing, “I am aware of efforts to bring an immediate expulsion vote against me and other members. 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.”
The congressman’s legal representation has aggressively pushed back against the allegations. Sara Azari, Swalwell’s attorney, called the accusations “false, fabricated, and deeply offensive,” characterizing them as “a calculated and transparent political hit job” against her client. “This is neither about justice, nor the truth. This is a ruthless and shameless attempt to smear Congressman Swalwell,” Azari stated on social media.
Swalwell’s fall from grace represents a dramatic reversal of political fortune. Just days earlier, he had been running a competitive campaign for California governor in 2026. He suspended that campaign over the weekend after nearly every prominent Democrat who had endorsed him withdrew their support, including former political allies.
The Swalwell case is one of several scandals currently roiling Congress. His resignation letter was read on the House floor just before that of Representative Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, who is leaving office amid his own controversies. Gonzales, a married father of six, admitted to having an affair with a former staffer who later died by suicide, and faces a second accusation of sexual misconduct with another former aide as reported by The San Antonio-Express News.
Representatives Cory Mills, R-Fla., and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., also face potential expulsion efforts for various scandals, highlighting a broader moment of institutional turmoil in the House.
Swalwell had represented California’s 15th Congressional District since 2013 and had been a visible member of the Democratic caucus, particularly during former President Trump’s first impeachment proceedings and as a member of the House Intelligence Committee. His departure leaves a vacancy that will need to be filled through a special election.
California Governor Gavin Newsom will be responsible for calling the special election to fill Swalwell’s seat for the remainder of the term. The district, which includes parts of the East Bay Area, is considered safely Democratic, though the ongoing scandal could potentially complicate the party’s efforts to retain the seat.
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12 Comments
This is a disappointing development, but the allegations against Swalwell are serious and must be thoroughly examined. The public deserves transparency and accountability.
I concur. It’s important that the investigation is conducted impartially and that due process is followed. The details will be crucial in determining the appropriate outcome.
The timing of Swalwell’s resignation suggests he may have been trying to get out ahead of the situation. The public will be watching closely to see how this plays out.
You raise a fair point. Resigning immediately could be viewed as an attempt to control the narrative. A thorough investigation is still needed to uncover the full truth.
This is a concerning development. The allegations against Rep. Swalwell need to be thoroughly investigated. It’s important to ensure accountability while also respecting due process.
Agreed. The public deserves a full and impartial investigation into these claims. Resignation may be the prudent course of action, but the details will be critical.
Resigning ahead of a potential expulsion vote suggests Swalwell may have been trying to get out in front of the situation. However, the allegations still require a comprehensive inquiry.
The allegations against Rep. Swalwell are very troubling. While his resignation may be prudent, a full investigation is still warranted to uncover the truth.
Resigning ahead of a potential expulsion vote seems like a strategic move by Swalwell. However, the allegations against him are serious and warrant a comprehensive inquiry.
Absolutely. Any misconduct allegations against elected officials must be taken seriously. Transparency and a fair process are essential here.
This is a complex situation that will require careful handling. Balancing accountability and due process is critical when dealing with allegations against public officials.
Agreed. The public deserves to know the facts, but the process must also be fair and impartial. It’s a delicate balance, but crucial for maintaining trust in our institutions.