The House Ethics Committee on April 13 announced an investigation into Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California over multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. The committee is examining whether Swalwell violated the House Code of Official Conduct or other legal and ethical standards in connection with claims of sexual misconduct, including allegations involving an employee under his supervision.
Swalwell has denied the allegations. He called the sexual assault claims “flat false” but acknowledged making past mistakes in judgment. On the same day the investigation was announced, Swalwell said he plans to resign from Congress.
The investigation follows a report by the San Francisco Chronicle that a former Swalwell staffer accused the congressman of sexual assault on two occasions when she was allegedly too intoxicated to consent, in 2019 and 2024. In addition, three other women detailed similar accusations to CNN.
Swalwell recently ended his campaign for governor of California amid mounting pressure over the allegations. Following the reports, Florida Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna announced plans to push a resolution to expel Swalwell from the House, stating she expects to bring the motion to a vote within days. Several Democrats have indicated support for the expulsion effort.
The House Ethics Committee operates with confidentiality and typically moves slowly, which some lawmakers fear could delay a prompt House vote on Swalwell’s status. Luna said she intends to proceed with the expulsion resolution independent of the Ethics Committee’s timeline, noting that the committee has previously been used as an “off-ramp” to avoid expulsion votes.
Amid the controversy, more than a dozen House Democrats from competitive districts sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries urging an expedited timeline for ethics investigations and for findings to be made public to allow timely House action.
Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona, a former ally of Swalwell, publicly called for his expulsion, stating Swalwell is “no longer fit to be a Member of Congress.” Gallego said he was unaware of the allegations prior to their publication but now believes Swalwell misrepresented himself.
Why it matters
The investigation and potential expulsion of a sitting member of Congress highlight ongoing concerns over accountability and ethics in the House. The swift bipartisan calls for action reflect heightened congressional sensitivity to sexual misconduct allegations amid broader societal demands for transparency and justice. The case also impacts the political landscape as Swalwell had recently sought statewide office.
Background
Eric Swalwell has served as the Democratic representative for California’s 15th congressional district. Prior to the allegations, he was a candidate in the 2026 California gubernatorial race but suspended his campaign amid the accusations. The House Ethics Committee oversees investigations into members’ conduct but is known for procedural confidentiality and gradual timelines. Expulsion of members is rare and requires a two-thirds vote in the House.
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