Representative Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat, stated Monday, April 13, 2026, he will resign from the U.S. House of Representatives following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and assault. The decision concludes a rapid political decline for the seven-term lawmaker, with Senator Adam Schiff, a fellow California Democrat, telling reporters the situation felt “shocking and deeply upsetting.” Swalwell, who had been a leading candidate for California governor, denies the most serious assault claims but acknowledged “mistakes in judgment.”
The House Ethics Committee had initiated an inquiry into Representative Swalwell's conduct earlier on Monday, specifically examining whether he engaged in sexual misconduct toward an employee under his supervision. This official action by the bipartisan panel followed public reports detailing the claims, which had quickly generated calls for his departure from both sides of the political aisle. The committee, in its public announcement, clarified that beginning an investigation does not inherently confirm any violation occurred.
Mr. Swalwell acknowledged these efforts to investigate and potentially expel him from Congress. He stated on social media that while he considered an immediate expulsion vote “wrong” without due process, he also believed it was “wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties.” His statement expressed regret, saying, “I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past.” He also affirmed his intent to “fight the serious false allegation made against me,” while accepting “responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.”
The initial claims against the Congressman first emerged in reports from The San Francisco Chronicle, subsequently corroborated by CNN. Swalwell sexually assaulted her on two separate occasions, including a time when she was employed on his staff. CNN further reported that three additional women presented various accounts of sexual misconduct, ranging from receiving unsolicited explicit messages to nude photographs.
These detailed accusations quickly altered the trajectory of his political career. His political standing deteriorated swiftly after these revelations. Swalwell withdrew from California's gubernatorial race on Sunday, April 12, 2026, just a day before his resignation announcement.
Swalwell to step down in the days immediately following the allegations. Senator Adam Schiff, who had previously endorsed Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign, rescinded that endorsement and expressed his deep concern over the circumstances, according to AP News reporting. The representative, first elected in 2012 to represent a district east of San Francisco, had cultivated a high-profile presence in national politics.
He gained significant visibility as a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, serving on the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees during Trump’s first term. Swalwell also acted as one of the Democratic prosecutors during the former president's second impeachment proceedings, following the events of January 6, 2021, at the Capitol. His tenure in Congress was not without previous scrutiny.
Swalwell from the House Intelligence Committee. This action stemmed from concerns regarding his past interactions with Christine Fang, a suspected Chinese intelligence operative. Swalwell of their concerns in 2015, prompting him to sever contact with Fang, who had reportedly engaged with his 2012 campaign and assisted fundraising efforts for his 2014 re-election bid.
Swalwell was not accused of wrongdoing in that matter. Swalwell's resignation occurs amidst another departure from Congress. Republican Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas announced his own plans to retire from office on Monday, April 13, 2026, with his departure scheduled for Tuesday.
Gonzales had previously acknowledged an affair with a staff member who later died by suicide. Swalwell, though he had already stated he would not seek re-election. These departures underscore the continuing challenges within the U.S.
Congress regarding ethical conduct and accountability. Public trust in elected officials can erode significantly when allegations of misconduct surface, particularly those involving staff or power dynamics. The swift response from some congressional leaders and the initiation of an Ethics Committee probe demonstrate a perceived need to address such claims directly, aiming to uphold standards for public service.
This period of heightened scrutiny affects how constituents view their representatives and the integrity of legislative bodies. - Representative Eric Swalwell announced his resignation from Congress on Monday, April 13, 2026, following sexual misconduct allegations. - Swalwell denies the most serious assault allegations but accepted responsibility for "mistakes in judgment." - His departure will trigger a special election in his California district, which he won by over 30 percentage points in 2024. Swalwell did not specify an exact date for his departure but indicated he would work with his staff to ensure continuity of their work in the coming days. His resignation will initiate a special election process in his House district, located east of San Francisco.
California state election law mandates that the governor must call this special election within 14 calendar days of the vacancy occurring. Swalwell remains uncertain, as the panel frequently concludes its inquiries when the subject lawmaker leaves office. Observers will monitor the timing of the special election call and any final statements from the Ethics Committee regarding its probe.
Key Takeaways
— - Representative Eric Swalwell announced his resignation from Congress on Monday, April 13, 2026, following sexual misconduct allegations.
— - The House Ethics Committee had initiated an investigation into whether Swalwell engaged in misconduct toward a staff member.
— - Swalwell denies the most serious assault allegations but accepted responsibility for "mistakes in judgment."
— - His departure will trigger a special election in his California district, which he won by over 30 percentage points in 2024.
Source: AP News