WASHINGTON – California Representative Eric Swalwell faces mounting pressure from his Democratic colleagues to step down from Congress as a House ethics committee begins investigating sexual misconduct allegations against him.
The congressional ethics panel announced Monday it is examining whether Swalwell broke House rules. Four women have come forward with sexual assault accusations against the California congressman.
Swalwell ended his gubernatorial campaign on Sunday, issuing an apology for “mistakes in judgment” while maintaining his innocence and calling the allegations serious but untrue.
Oregon Representative Andrea Salinas issued a statement Monday demanding Swalwell’s resignation. “The allegations against him are serious, credible, and demand accountability,” Salinas stated. “The halls of power must not be a place where predators are shielded by inaction.”
Swalwell joins three other House members currently facing mounting calls for resignation or expulsion from Congress – a bipartisan group of two Democrats and two Republicans.
Texas Republican Tony Gonzales withdrew from his reelection bid last month, abandoning a May 26 runoff against gun rights advocate Brandon Herrera. Gonzales allegedly engaged in an affair with a former staff member who later took their own life.
New Jersey Democratic Representative Nellie Pou condemned both lawmakers in strong terms. “At a minimum, it is clear that Reps. Swalwell and Gonzalez have betrayed their constituents, staff, and their oath of office,” Pou declared. “At worst, it appears they may have committed abhorrent, outrageous, and potentially criminal acts. They should resign immediately; if they refuse, the House should debate their removal through expulsion.”
House expulsion represents the chamber’s harshest disciplinary action and demands a two-thirds majority vote for approval. Throughout history, only six House members have faced expulsion – most recently former New York Republican George Santos in December 2023.
With Republicans maintaining a slim 217-214 advantage over Democrats, any successful expulsion effort would require support from both parties.
Florida Republican Anna Paulina Luna announced plans to introduce expulsion legislation targeting Swalwell. Meanwhile, New Mexico Democrat Teresa Leger Fernandez said she would file similar measures against Gonzalez, with Luna promising her support.
North Carolina Republican Addison McDowell emphasized the need for action. “It’s past time to get rid of predators in Congress who prey on women – especially their own staff,” McDowell stated. “Women working in the halls of Congress deserve to know that, as an institution, we have their backs and that we condemn this behavior at the highest level.”
Arizona Democratic Representative Yassamin Ansari indicated she would vote to remove both men if they refuse to resign voluntarily. Maryland Democrat April McClain Delaney characterized their alleged behavior as “beyond inexcusable” and potentially criminal. “Both should be expelled,” she declared, contingent on investigations confirming “the facts are true.”
A coalition of Democrats from competitive districts that could determine House control in November’s midterm elections urged leadership to accelerate misconduct investigations.
“Public confidence in Congress is at a historic low, but it can be earned back through public accountability,” the group wrote. “We must demonstrate that no one is above the law and that serious misconduct will result in serious consequences. We respectfully request that you work together in a bipartisan manner to ensure these investigations proceed swiftly, that findings are made public, and that action is brought to the floor for a vote.”
New York Representative Nydia Velazquez went beyond her Democratic colleagues by suggesting two additional Florida representatives should also face resignation or expulsion. She named Democrat Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Republican Cory Mills alongside Swalwell and Gonzales.
Federal prosecutors have charged Cherfilus-McCormick with misappropriating $5 million in federal disaster relief funds for her congressional campaign. Mills faces allegations of sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations.
“Congress should not tolerate representatives who abuse staff, betray public trust for personal gain, and generally violate their oath of office,” Velazquez stated. “Americans deserve better and Congress must hold our members accountable.”
