Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Apr 14: US Representative Eric Swalwell on Monday announced plans to resign from Congress following mounting pressure from lawmakers across party lines over sexual assault and misconduct allegations.
In a statement posted on X, Swalwell said he was aware of efforts to bring an expulsion vote against him but maintained that removing a member without due process would be wrong. However, he added that continuing in office would distract from his responsibilities to constituents, prompting his decision to step down.
He did not specify a timeline for his resignation, stating that he would coordinate with his staff to ensure continued service to residents of California’s 14th congressional district.
Swalwell apologised to his family, staff and constituents for “mistakes in judgment,” while asserting that some of the allegations against him are false and that he intends to contest them.
The House Ethics Committee had launched an investigation into the allegations, but the probe is expected to end once he resigns, as it has jurisdiction only over sitting members.
Swalwell, who has served in the House since 2013, had recently suspended his campaign for California governor amid the controversy. The timing of a special election to fill his seat will be decided under state law by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Calls for his resignation intensified over the weekend, with several lawmakers backing a move to expel him. His close ally, Senator Ruben Gallego, said he believed Swalwell was “no longer fit” to serve.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also supported the decision, calling it “the right thing to do” and saying it would spare his family and colleagues from further strain.
The allegations surfaced in recent media reports, including claims of sexual assault by a former staffer and accusations from other women of inappropriate conduct. While one accuser has publicly stood by her claims, several allegations have not been independently verified.
Separately, prosecutors in Manhattan have opened an investigation into one of the alleged incidents said to have occurred in New York.
Swalwell’s resignation will take effect once he formally submits a letter to the House Speaker, after which it will be read on the House floor.