Story perspectives

Rep. Eric Swalwell Resigns Amid Misconduct Allegations

4/15/2026

Summary

Swalwell Resigns Amid Scandal

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) resigned from Congress amid multiple sexual misconduct allegations, including a former staffer’s sexual assault claim.
The decision followed bipartisan pressure to step down and a House ethics probe.
Swalwell said he regrets past mistakes but that some allegations are false.
His resignation coincided with Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) stepping down due to misconduct allegations.
The Manhattan District Attorney's Office is investigating the allegations, sparking accountability calls.

History

Historical Context

The #MeToo movement surged in 2017 and 2018, catalyzed by allegations against figures like Al Franken, who resigned from the Senate in January 2018 after multiple accusations of sexual misconduct. This cultural shift has prompted ongoing accountability in politics, as seen in the recent resignations of Representatives Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales, reflecting a bipartisan demand for ethical conduct in Congress.

1 of 2

Swalwell Resigns Amid Scandal

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) resigned from Congress amid multiple sexual misconduct allegations, including a former staffer’s sexual assault claim.
The decision followed bipartisan pressure to step down and a House ethics probe.
Swalwell said he regrets past mistakes but that some allegations are false.
His resignation coincided with Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) stepping down due to misconduct allegations.
The Manhattan District Attorney's Office is investigating the allegations, sparking accountability calls.

1 / 2