Congressman Eric Swalwell is facing intense pressure to resign from his congressional seat and drop his gubernatorial campaign following allegations of sexual misconduct, detailed in a letter from his former staffers.
Allegations and Staffer Denunciation
A letter signed by over 50 former staffers described recent allegations of sexual assault and misconduct against Swalwell as “serious” and “credible,” demanding that he resign from Congress and withdraw from his bid for California governor. The staffers stated, “The allegations reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN are serious, credible, and demand accountability.”
The accusations stem from reports by CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle, which detailed:
- A former staffer alleging sexual assault, describing a night of drinking that allegedly resulted in sexual activity without consent.
- Three other women speaking to CNN who alleged various forms of sexual misconduct, including sending unsolicited nude photos and graphic messages.
Official Investigations and Political Fallout
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office confirmed it is investigating an allegation of sexual assault against Swalwell, encouraging survivors and those with knowledge of the allegations to contact its Special Victims Division.
Politically, the reports have severely damaged Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign, leading several prominent Democratic endorsers to retract their support. Multiple Democratic colleagues have publicly called for his resignation from Congress.
- Democratic Calls for Resignation: Representatives like Pramila Jayapal and Eugene Vindman have demanded his resignation. Jayapal also called for the expulsion of Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales, citing misconduct allegations.
- Leadership Response: While House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries urged Swalwell to end his gubernatorial candidacy, he declined to comment on whether Swalwell should resign his congressional seat.
Swalwell’s Response and Congressional Status
Swalwell publicly denied the allegations of sexual assault in statements to CNN and in a video posted on social media. However, in the video, he acknowledged that he had “certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past.”
His former staffers urged him to step down, writing that remaining in either role while the allegations are unresolved is “an insult to every person who has ever worked for him.”
On the institutional level, Swalwell faces the possibility of expulsion from Congress as the House reconvenes. A vote to expel a member requires a two-thirds majority vote.
