U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell Resigns Amid Misconduct Allegations

Democratic U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell of California announced his resignation from Congress on April 13, 2026, following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. The House Ethics Committee had opened an investigation into the allegations, and some lawmakers were reportedly pushing for an expulsion vote. Swalwell, who had also recently suspended his campaign for California governor, denied the specific assault allegations but acknowledged "mistakes in judgment." His resignation triggers a special election in his district and raises questions about the status of the ethics probe and other financial disclosures.

Announcement of Resignation

On Monday, April 13, 2026, Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell announced he would resign from the U.S. House of Representatives. The announcement followed reports by The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN detailing allegations of sexual misconduct.

Swalwell stated he would "fight the serious false allegation made against me" but acknowledged "mistakes in judgment I've made in my past."

In a social media statement, he said he was aware of efforts to bring an immediate expulsion vote and considered it "wrong" without due process. He added, "it's also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress."

His resignation was formally submitted and became effective at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The Allegations and Investigation

Multiple news organizations reported allegations from several women.

• The San Francisco Chronicle reported allegations from a woman who said Swalwell sexually assaulted her in 2019 and again in 2024 while she worked for him.
• CNN reported allegations from three other women who accused Swalwell of various kinds of misconduct, including sending unsolicited explicit messages or nude photos.

On Tuesday, April 14, Lonna Drewes held a news conference in Beverly Hills, alleging Swalwell raped her in 2018 after a restaurant opening in Southern California. She stated she believes she was drugged. Her attorney, Lisa Bloom, said they planned to report the allegation to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department with supporting documentation.

An attorney for Swalwell, Sara Azari, released a statement saying the congressman "categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled against him."

Concurrently, the House Ethics Committee announced on April 13 that it had begun an investigation into whether Swalwell engaged in sexual misconduct toward an employee under his supervision. The committee noted that the mere fact of its investigation does not indicate a violation occurred.

Political Context and Aftermath

Swalwell's resignation followed his suspension of his campaign for Governor of California on April 12. He had been seen as a leading candidate in the race to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, who cannot seek a third term.

• California Senator Adam Schiff, who had withdrawn his endorsement of Swalwell's gubernatorial bid, stated, "I think he made the right decision to resign."
• According to California law, Governor Newsom must call a special election to fill the vacant congressional seat within 14 calendar days of the vacancy. Newsom has called a special election for June.
• Swalwell's name will remain on the June primary ballot for the gubernatorial race, as it was too late for removal.
• The future of the House Ethics Committee investigation is uncertain, as such probes often end when a lawmaker resigns.

Related Congressional Departure

On the same day as Swalwell's announcement, Republican Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas said he would file his "retirement from office" when Congress returned on April 14. Gonzales had previously acknowledged an affair with a staff member who later died by suicide and was also facing calls for an expulsion vote. He had previously stated he would not seek reelection.

Background on Eric Swalwell

• Swalwell was first elected to Congress in 2012, representing California's 15th congressional district east of San Francisco.
• He served on the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees and was one of the Democratic impeachment managers for former President Donald Trump's second impeachment trial.
• In 2023, he was removed from the House Intelligence Committee by then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy due to his past contact with a suspected Chinese spy, Christine Fang. A separate House Ethics Committee investigation into that matter closed in 2023 without action against Swalwell.

Post-Resignation Developments and Ethics Questions

Following his resignation, Swalwell's physical location was not publicly known. A news crew visited the Livermore, California, address listed on his voter registration and found no one home.

Additional scrutiny emerged regarding Swalwell's financial disclosures and residency:

• Swalwell's 2025 Financial Disclosure Report showed he accepted private air transportation to Nice, France, from billionaire Stephen Cloobeck, valued at nearly $31,000. The House Committee on Ethics' website does not state this acceptance was a violation. The trip was not listed as an official trip in gift travel filings.
• Craig Holman, a government affairs lobbyist for Public Citizen, commented on the trip, stating, "I'd have to know more about it, but it certainly raises red flags."
• During the gubernatorial campaign, opponent Tom Steyer's campaign alleged that Swalwell and his spouse executed a deed of trust designating Washington, D.C., as his principal address, suggesting he maintained California residency on paper only.
• Stephen Cloobeck, the billionaire who provided the air travel, stated in a media interview that he asked Swalwell to leave his home following the allegations, saying, "I said, 'pal you busted the trust. I'm disappointed and disgusted. Get the f*** out of here.'" Cloobeck also stated he no longer identifies as a Democrat but as a "Libertarian Republican."

Regarding the sexual misconduct allegations, Craig Holman noted that by resigning, Swalwell placed himself outside the jurisdiction of the Congressional ethics committee. Holman stated any further legal action would depend on whether the Department of Justice decides to press charges.