WASHINGTON (AP) – Rep. Eric Swalwell of California’s 14th Congressional District announced Monday he will resign from Congress after sexual assault allegations prompted bipartisan calls for him to step down.
The decision caps a swift political fall for the seven-term Democratic lawmaker, who had been viewed as one of the leading contenders in the state’sgubernatorial race before suspending his campaign on Sunday after allegations surfaced – allegations he continues to deny.
One of those calling for him to step aside was Rep. Adam Gray (D-Merced), whose 13th Congressional District includes a portion of Turlock. Gray was co-chair of Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign.
“Today’s reports about Eric Swalwell’s conduct while in office are deeply disturbing,” Gray said in a social media post Friday, when the allegations first surfaced. “Harassment, abuse, and violence of any sort are unacceptable. Given these serious allegations, I am withdrawing my support, and Eric Swalwell should end his campaign immediately.”
The San Francisco Chronicle, followed by CNN, first reported on allegations that Swalwell had sexually assaulted a woman twice, including when she worked for him. CNN also reported that three other women have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct by Swalwell.
“I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my post,” Swalwell said on social media. “I will fight the serious false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.”
Swalwell’s planned departure from the House will trigger a special election in his district, which he won by more than 30 percentage points in 2024. In California, the governor is responsible for calling a special election, which he must do within 14 calendar days of the vacancy, according to state election law.
Swalwell said he was aware of efforts to bring an expulsion vote against him, and that it was “wrong” without due process.
“But it’s also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties,” he wrote. “Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress.”
Swalwell did not provide a timeframe, saying only that he would work with his staff in the coming days to ensure their work can continue.
Former Rep. Katie Porter and billionaire financier Tom Steyer, a 2020 presidential candidate, are among the other top Democrats seeking to pick up Swalwell’s former backers as the June 2 primary election nears with no clear front-runner.
Porter and Steyer, along with leading Republicans Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News host Steve Hilton, who is endorsed by President Donald Trump, are among more than 50 candidates vying for two spots on the November ballot.
Under California’s primary system, only the top two vote recipients advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.
Seven Democrats remain in the primary, and while Swalwell’s departure narrows the field of top contenders, it is too late for his name to be removed from the ballot.
The 45-year-old Swalwell, who attended elementary school in Modesto, announced his candidacy on the Nov. 20 episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”
— Turlock Journal staff writer Joe Cortez contributed to this story.
