California gubernatorial hopeful, Rep. Eric Swalwell is seen at a gathering in Sacramento, California, April 7, 2026. Rich Pedroncelli/AP
Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell declared on Monday his intention to leave his position in the House of Representatives following accusations of sexual misconduct that incited demands for his resignation or a vote for his removal. His declaration follows by just a day his ceasing of his campaign to be the governor of California.
In a message on X, Swalwell stated that he feels “truly sorry” to his loved ones, team, and those he represents but that “he will contest the significant, untrue allegation leveled against me.”
“I am cognizant of initiatives aimed at initiating an immediate vote on the removal of myself and other legislators. To expel anyone in the House without due process, quickly after an accusation is voiced, is wrong,” Swalwell commented. “However, it is also inappropriate for my constituents to have my focus diverted away from my responsibilities. Consequently, I intend to relinquish my seat in Congress.”
California gubernatorial hopeful, Rep. Eric Swalwell is seen at a gathering in Sacramento, California, April 7, 2026.Rich Pedroncelli/AP
Swalwell’s declaration coincides with the House Ethics Committee stating it was beginning an investigation concerning the allegations against him.
GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida mentioned Saturday she planned to push for a vote this week to oust Swalwell should he not step down. In a message on X after Swalwell’s declaration that he will leave, Luna stated, “He arrived at the right conclusion, though there is still a need for a complete criminal investigation.”
The San Francisco Chronicle documented that a former aide had sexual encounters with Swalwell while under his employment, also alleging that he sexually assaulted her twice while she lacked the capacity to consent because of intoxication. Moreover, CNN has featured reports of three further women who gave accounts of unsuitable behavior by Swalwell.
ABC News has not independently confirmed the accounts as documented by The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN.
Swalwell did not specify when he expects to resign. Upon Swalwell’s actual resignation, House Democrats will have 213 members. Republicans are predicted to instate their 218th representative on Tuesday evening — Clay Fuller, victor of a special election in Georgia the prior week — and independent Rep. Kevin Kiley still aligns with Republicans, possibly providing Speaker Mike Johnson 219 votes.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom will determine if or when Swalwell’s seat will be filled prior to the conclusion of his term, in line with California regulations.
Vacancies in the U.S. House of Representatives usually see a filling through special elections (outside of regular cycle), which can occur even during a year where those same House seats are scheduled for a standard election.
However, a representative for the California Secretary of State directed ABC News to the state’s election code, which stipulates that “if a vacancy happens in a congressional office following the end of the period for nominations during the last year of the term in office, the Governor holds the option to decline issuing an election announcement at his discretion.”
Qualification for the ballot in California concluded in early March, and Swalwell’s current term in Congress ends this year, indicating Newsom has the option to call a special election.
When contacted for comment by ABC News, Newsom’s office responded that it is reviewing the matter and will offer an official statement as soon as the seat is officially available.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com