Eric Swalwell to resign from Congress after sexual misconduct claims

April 13, 2026

US Congressman Eric Swalwell announced his resignation from Congress following sexual misconduct allegations from four women and the subsequent collapse of his California gubernatorial campaign. The Democrat, who has represented a district near San Francisco since 2012, faces accusations ranging from harassment to rape, which he denies, while acknowledging other unspecified mistakes in judgment. His resignation comes as both the House Ethics Committee and Manhattan prosecutors launched investigations into his conduct, and as Republican lawmakers threatened expulsion.

Who is affected

Eric Swalwell and his family
Swalwell's congressional staff members
Constituents in Swalwell's district (east of San Francisco and north of San Jose)
Four women who accused Swalwell of misconduct
Tony Gonzales (Texas Republican congressman)
Democratic candidates in California's gubernatorial race
California Democratic Party (facing risk of being shut out of the general election)
The deceased former aide who had an affair with Gonzales

What action is being taken

Swalwell is resigning from Congress
Tony Gonzales is filing his retirement from office on Tuesday
The House Ethics Committee is conducting investigations into both Swalwell and Gonzales
Manhattan prosecutors are conducting a probe into Swalwell's conduct
Swalwell is working with his staff to ensure constituent services continue in his absence
Congress is returning from recess on Tuesday

Why it matters

This situation significantly impacts California's gubernatorial race, as Swalwell was projected as one of the Democratic frontrunners in polling. His withdrawal from both the race and Congress creates a power vacuum in a competitive election where Democrats risk being shut out of the November general election if Republican candidates capture the top two spots in the June open primary. The resignations of both Swalwell and Gonzales also reflect the growing accountability mechanisms within Congress for alleged ethical violations, demonstrating how ethics investigations can effectively end political careers even before formal conclusions are reached.

What's next

Congress returns from recess on Tuesday
Tony Gonzales will file his retirement from office on Tuesday
The House Ethics Committee plans to take up inquiries into both Swalwell and Gonzales
Swalwell will work with his staff in the coming days to ensure constituent services continue
Swalwell's name will remain on California voter ballots as it is too late for removal

Read full article from source: BBC