Rep. Eric Swalwell says he will resign from Congress after allegations

Rep. Eric Swalwell said he will resign from Congress after sexual misconduct allegations against him led to calls for his expulsion and ended his campaign for California governor.

Swalwell announced the decision Monday, a day after suspending his campaign for governor. In both statements, the California Democrat apologized to his family, staff and supporters, said he would fight the allegation he says is false, and said the fallout should not become a distraction for the people he represents in California’s 14th congressional district.

His resignation came after reports detailed accusations from multiple women, including a former staffer who alleged Swalwell assaulted her in 2019 and again in 2024 while she was too intoxicated to consent. Swalwell has denied the assault allegation.

The reports were followed by calls for Swalwell to step down, an immediate push by some lawmakers for a House expulsion vote and an ethics investigation in Congress. The Manhattan district attorney’s office was also reported to be looking into the 2024 allegation.

“Expelling anyone in Congress without due process, within days of an allegation being made, is wrong,” Swalwell said in his resignation statement. “But it’s also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress.”

He did not say when his resignation will take effect. Swalwell said he will work with his staff in the coming days to make sure the needs of the district are handled in his absence.