The House Ethics Committee announced on Monday that it has launched an official investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell, a Democrat from California.
The committee’s leaders stated they will examine whether Swalwell violated the Code of Official Conduct or any other laws, rules, or standards while performing his duties. The probe focuses on claims that he engaged in sexual misconduct, including toward a staff member who worked under his supervision.
A former Swalwell staffer detailed her accusations in a San Francisco Chronicle article and a CNN interview. She claimed she had several sexual encounters with the congressman while employed in his office and alleged that he sexually assaulted her on two occasions when she was too intoxicated to consent. NBC News and other outlets have not independently verified these claims. CNN also reported that several other women accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including unwanted touching, encounters while intoxicated, and sending unsolicited explicit messages or photos.
Swalwell, 45, has strongly denied the allegations. In a video statement on Friday, he called the sexual assault claims “flat false” and said they “did not happen” and “have never happened.” His office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The scandal has triggered multiple investigations and political consequences. The Manhattan district attorney’s office said on Saturday that it opened a criminal probe into one of the sexual assault allegations. Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor on Sunday night. In his announcement, he acknowledged making “mistakes in judgment” in the past but vowed to fight what he described as “serious, false allegations.” He added that this was his personal fight, not one for a political campaign.
Several lawmakers, including some Democrats, have called on Swalwell to resign from Congress or face expulsion. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican from Florida, announced on Saturday that she plans to introduce a motion on the House floor to expel him. Such a motion would require a two-thirds majority vote to pass.
The controversy has also sparked broader discussions in the House about holding other members accountable. Lawmakers have mentioned possible expulsion proceedings for Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Republican from Texas, who admitted to an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide, and Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat from Florida. Cherfilus-McCormick was found guilty in a House ethics probe of misusing federal relief funds and faces related federal charges.
Expelling a member from the House is rare. Only six representatives have been removed in history, with the most recent being Rep. George Santos of New York in December 2023. Three others were expelled during the Civil War for supporting the Confederacy.
Swalwell has served in the House since 2013. The Ethics Committee investigation, along with the criminal probe in New York and mounting calls for his resignation, has created significant pressure on the longtime congressman. As the situation develops, it raises questions about ethics standards and accountability for members of Congress facing serious personal allegations.
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