Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell announced Monday that he will resign from his seat representing California's 14th District following allegations of sexual misconduct and improper behavior.
Swalwell, who has served in the House of Representatives since 2013, issued the announcement via a statement on X. The move follows a week of mounting pressure that also forced him to drop his bid for Governor of California.
“I am deeply sorry to my particular family, my staff, and my constituents for mistakes in judgement I've made in my past,” Swalwell wrote. “I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.”
According to reports from BBC and BioBioChile, four women accused the 45-year-old lawmaker of misconduct ranging from sexual harassment to rape. One former employee told CNN that the Congressman sexually assaulted her on at least two occasions while she was too intoxicated to provide consent.
“I would push him away, I would tell him no,” the woman stated, according to BioBioChile.
Investigations and simultaneous retirements
The allegations surfaced last Friday through reporting by CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle. Following the reports, prominent Democrats and labor unions withdrew their support for Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign.
Prosecutors in Manhattan announced Saturday that they have opened an investigation into the Congressman's conduct. Simultaneously, the House Ethics Committee confirmed Monday that it has launched its own inquiry into the matter.
Swalwell defended his decision to step down by citing the potential for a rushed expulsion process. “I am aware of the efforts to achieve an immediate expulsion vote against me and others. Expelling anyone from Congress without due process, a few days after an allegation is made, is incorrect. But it is also incorrect that my constituents have me distracted from my duties. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress,” he said.
Swalwell noted he would work with his staff to ensure the needs of his district, which includes areas east of San Francisco and north of San Jose, are met during his absence.
In a parallel development, Texas Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales announced he will also retire from office on Tuesday. According to the BBC, Gonzales is facing his own ethics inquiry after admitting to an affair with a staff member who later died by suicide.
“There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas,” Gonzales posted on X.
