Swalwell Resigns From Congress Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

SACRAMENTO, CA — Following widespread calls to drop out of the 2026 California Gubernatorial race, Rep. Eric Swalwell of California announced on Monday he will resign from Congress amid multiple sexual assault allegations.

The decision caps a swift political fall for the seven-term lawmaker, who had been seen as a frontrunner in California’s gubernatorial race before dropping out as the allegations surfaced, claims he has continued to deny, according to the Associated Press.

The San Francisco Chronicle, followed by CNN, first reported allegations that Swalwell had sexually assaulted a woman twice, including when she worked for him. CNN also reported that three other women alleged various kinds of sexual misconduct by Swalwell — including sending them unsolicited explicit messages or nude photos.

Swalwell, who is originally from Iowa, was elected in 2012 and represents a House district east of San Francisco.

“I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past,” 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.”

Several Democrats had called on him to step aside. Swalwell wrote in a statement posted to social media that he was “aware of efforts to bring an immediate expulsion vote” and that it was “wrong” without due process.

“But it’s also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress,” Swalwell wrote.

Last week, Swalwell denied ever having a sexual relationship with any former staffers and said the allegations made against him were politically motivated.

Swalwell’s planned departure will trigger a special election in his district, which he won by over 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 occurrence of the vacancy,” according to state election law.

California's 2026 gubernatorial candidates are mired in a contentious battle to succeed outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom. Swalwell was leading against Democrats, including former Rep. Katie Porter and businessman om Steyer, while Republican contenders Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton were running neck-and-neck, according to recent polls.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.