US Congressman Eric Swalwell has announced plans to resign from Congress following mounting pressure over sexual misconduct allegations, marking a dramatic turn in his political career.
Swalwell, a Democrat representing a district near San Francisco since 2012, confirmed his decision in a letter posted on X, where he apologised for what he described as “mistakes in judgement” while firmly denying the most serious accusations against him.
“I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgement I’ve made in my past,” he wrote. “I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.”
The resignation follows a wave of allegations made last week by four women, accusing the lawmaker of misconduct ranging from sexual harassment to rape. The claims triggered immediate political fallout, including the loss of key endorsements for his California gubernatorial bid and the resignation of several staff members.
The controversy also prompted multiple investigations. Prosecutors in Manhattan confirmed they had opened a probe into Swalwell’s conduct, while the House Ethics Committee launched its own inquiry as Congress prepared to reconvene.
Swalwell had already withdrawn from the California governor’s race amid the escalating crisis, where he had been considered one of the leading Democratic contenders in a crowded field ahead of the state’s primary elections.
In his resignation letter, he argued that expulsion by Congress without due process would be unjust, but acknowledged that the controversy had become a distraction to his legislative responsibilities.
“It would be wrong for fellow lawmakers to expel me without due process, within days of an allegation being made,” he said. “But it’s also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore I plan to resign my seat in Congress.”
He added that he would work with his staff in the coming days to ensure continuity of service for constituents in his district, which spans areas east of San Francisco and north of San Jose.
The situation has also drawn in another lawmaker, Tony Gonzales, a Republican from Texas, who is facing a separate ethics inquiry. Gonzales announced that he would file for retirement from office, following his admission of an affair with a staff member.
Posting on X, Gonzales said: “There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas.”
The developments come as lawmakers from both parties had begun discussing the possibility of expelling the two congressmen, intensifying the political pressure surrounding the ethics investigations.
Despite his resignation announcement, Swalwell’s name will remain on the ballot in California’s upcoming gubernatorial primary, as election officials confirmed it is too late to remove candidates at this stage.
California’s open primary system allows voters to choose candidates regardless of party affiliation, with the top two candidates advancing to the general election. The absence of a clear Democratic frontrunner following Swalwell’s exit has raised concerns within the party about vote splitting, potentially allowing Republican candidates to dominate the primary outcome.
Erizia Rubyjeana
