Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell has announced his resignation from the United States Congress after serious allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced during his campaign for California governor. The announcement came in swift succession after Swalwell first suspended his gubernatorial campaign late Sunday night, apologizing for what he described as mistakes and judgment in his past while pledging to fight what he called serious false allegations.
In his resignation statement, Swalwell acknowledged the difficulty of the situation while framing his decision around his constituents in California's 14th Congressional District. He stated that expelling anyone in Congress without due process within days of an allegation being made is wrong, but added that it is also wrong for his constituents to have him distracted from his duties. He pledged to work with his staff in the coming days to ensure they can continue serving the district in his absence.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office is reportedly looking into the allegations against Swalwell. Former California Attorney General Javier Becerra, one of the remaining gubernatorial candidates, noted that while Swalwell has done the right thing by stepping aside, the situation is not over because there are still survivors waiting for justice. Becerra, who handled sexual misconduct cases during his time as attorney general, emphasized the importance of thorough evidence gathering in such investigations.
Swalwell's departure leaves seven Democrats in the California gubernatorial race, including Javier Becerra, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Betty Yee. Two Republicans are also running: former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. The shakeup has significantly altered the dynamics of what was already a crowded and competitive primary field.
The rapid sequence of events from campaign suspension to congressional resignation reflects the severity of the allegations and the political calculations involved. Swalwell had been a prominent member of the Democratic caucus and his exit represents a significant loss for the party in Congress. The incident has reignited broader conversations about accountability in public service and the erosion of trust that occurs when elected officials face personal scandals while holding positions of power.