NEED TO KNOW

• Swalwell resigned from Congress Monday, days after sexual misconduct allegations ended his gubernatorial campaign
• He admits to unspecified "mistakes in judgment" but continues to deny the most serious allegations
• Manhattan DA is investigating; a second press conference by another accuser is scheduled for Tuesday

RANDALLSTOWN, Md. (TDR) — Rep. Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress Monday amid sexual misconduct allegations from multiple women, ending a political career that collapsed in under 72 hours.

The big picture: Swalwell had been the leading Democrat in the California governor's race — though trailing both Republican frontrunners — before CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle published accounts Friday from four women alleging sexual misconduct. His campaign, congressional support, and major labor endorsements collapsed over a single weekend.

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• A former staffer alleged Swalwell sexually assaulted her twice — in 2019 and 2024 — when she was too intoxicated to consent; three others alleged he sent unsolicited explicit photos and messages
• 55 former Swalwell staffers signed a letter Sunday calling the allegations "serious and credible" and urging his resignation

Why it matters: Swalwell was a high-profile Democratic voice — an impeachment manager in both Trump trials. His exit removes a key figure from a volatile California governor's race and tests how Democrats handle misconduct accountability.

• His name cannot be removed from the June 2 ballot — the top-two primary is already set
• Democrats face a fractured field with no clear frontrunner among Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, and a field of 50-plus candidates

Driving the news: Swalwell posted his resignation Monday on X.

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• "I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me," he wrote
• "However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make"
• The House Ethics Committee opened a formal investigation Monday into whether Swalwell violated the Code of Official Conduct regarding employees under his supervision

What they're saying: Pressure came from both parties and from former allies.

• Sen. Ruben Gallego, who chaired Swalwell's 2020 presidential campaign, said he was "not the person I thought I knew" and that Swalwell was "no longer fit to be a Member of Congress."
• Rep. Pramila Jayapal said she would vote to expel him: "This is not a partisan issue. This cuts across party lines."

Yes, but: No charges have been filed, and Swalwell continues to deny the most serious allegations.

• He denied the assault claims Friday as "flat false" — Monday's statement draws a legal distinction between admitted "mistakes" and the specific criminal claims
• The Manhattan DA's investigation is early-stage; charges have not been brought

Between the lines: Swalwell's resignation statement is carefully worded to limit legal exposure — acknowledging vague "mistakes" while contesting the allegations that carry criminal liability. That language serves his attorneys more than his constituents.

• A second accuser's lawyers announced a Tuesday press conference to detail "the next legal steps" — the process is not finished
• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries declined Sunday to say whether Swalwell should resign — the party leadership's hesitation before Monday's announcement illustrated how its institutional instincts lagged its base

What's next:

• Manhattan DA investigation continues; Alameda County DA is also evaluating the 2019 allegation
• A second accuser holds a press conference Tuesday in California
• California's governor primary is June 2 — Swalwell's name remains on the ballot

When a politician admits to "mistakes" while denying the most serious allegations, who decides where accountability ends and legal strategy begins?

Sources

This report was compiled using information from CNN, NBC News, KQED, PBS NewsHour, CalMatters, Bloomberg, and the San Francisco Chronicle via reporting cited above.

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