WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a dramatic collapse of a once-promising political career, Representative Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) announced his resignation from Congress on Monday, April 13, 2026. The seven-term lawmaker’s exit comes after a weekend of explosive allegations involving sexual assault and misconduct that have sent shockwaves through both the Capitol and his home state of California.
The decision follows Swalwell’s withdrawal from the California gubernatorial race just one day prior. Once considered a frontrunner to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, Swalwell saw his support evaporate almost overnight as details of the allegations became public.
The crisis began on Friday, April 10, when reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN detailed a series of troubling accusations from multiple women.
According to the reports, the allegations include:
- Sexual Assault: A former congressional staffer alleged that Swalwell assaulted her twice when she was too intoxicated to consent, once in 2019 and again in 2024.
- Workplace Misconduct: The same former employee claimed Swalwell solicited sexual favors while she was under his direct supervision.
- Inappropriate Messaging: Three other women came forward alleging that the Congressman sent unsolicited nude photos and sexual messages via Snapchat.
- Abuse of Authority: One woman described a pattern of escalating sexual messages that she felt pressured to engage with due to Swalwell’s high-profile position.
While Swalwell has admitted to “mistakes in judgment” regarding his personal life, he has continued to forcefully deny the allegations of sexual assault, vowing to fight what he calls “false claims.”
Swalwell’s Swift Political Exit
The pressure on Swalwell reached a boiling point on Monday morning. The House Ethics Committee announced it had officially opened an investigation into whether the Congressman engaged in sexual misconduct with a subordinate.
At the same time, bipartisan calls for his removal grew louder. Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) prepared a resolution for his expulsion, while high-profile Democrats, including Senator Adam Schiff and Representative Ruben Gallego, withdrew their support. Gallego, a long-time friend of Swalwell, stated publicly that he believed the lawmaker was no longer fit to serve.
In a statement posted to social media, Swalwell acknowledged that the threat of expulsion and the weight of the investigation had made his continued service impossible.
“I will fight the serious false allegations made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make,” Swalwell wrote. “It’s wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress.”
Impact on the California Governor’s Race
Swalwell’s resignation and withdrawal have completely reset the 2026 California gubernatorial race. Before the scandal broke, he was leading many polls. Now, his departure leaves a massive vacuum in the Democratic field.
Voters will still see Swalwell’s name on the June primary ballot due to state deadlines, but his campaign has effectively ceased all operations. The focus now shifts to other leading Democratic contenders, including former congresswoman Katie Porter and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who are scrambling to pick up Swalwell’s former donors and endorsements.
While his time in the House of Representatives is coming to an end, Swalwell’s legal troubles may just be beginning. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has confirmed it is looking into the 2024 assault allegation, which reportedly took place in New York City.
As of Tuesday morning, Swalwell had not provided a specific date for when his resignation would take effect. His departure marks one of the swiftest falls from grace for a national political figure in recent memory, ending a career defined by his roles in presidential impeachment trials and as a frequent voice on national security.
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