WASHINGTON — Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell is facing intense pressure from his own party colleagues to abandon his California gubernatorial bid and step down from Congress following serious sexual assault accusations from a former staff member.
The California representative has firmly rejected the claims, stating they “are absolutely false.” The allegations emerged as Swalwell had gained significant momentum in the race to succeed outgoing Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.
During the weekend, as Swalwell’s gubernatorial ambitions appeared to crumble, multiple House Democrats began demanding his immediate resignation. Several indicated they would back the extraordinary measure of expelling him if he refuses to leave voluntarily.
Among those calling for his departure are California Representatives Jared Huffman, Ro Khanna, and Sam Liccardo, along with Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández from New Mexico and Pramila Jayapal from Washington state.
“This is not a partisan issue,” Jayapal stated Sunday. “This cuts across party lines. And it is depravity of the way that women have been treated.”
Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.
The congressman’s political standing continues to deteriorate as high-profile backers, including Senator Adam Schiff and influential labor organizations, have withdrawn their support and demanded he exit the race. Representative Jimmy Gomez of California, who previously helped manage Swalwell’s campaign, announced he was immediately terminating his involvement.
When the House reconvenes Tuesday, the question of Swalwell’s potential expulsion may quickly advance. Florida Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna announced Saturday her intention to file a motion initiating the expulsion process.
House expulsion votes are uncommon and need a two-thirds majority to succeed, though recent history shows it’s possible. In 2023, Republican George Santos of New York became only the sixth House member ever removed by colleagues for misconduct.
Huffman, Jayapal, and Leger Fernández confirmed they would vote to remove Swalwell from the House, while also supporting expulsion proceedings against Representative Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican who acknowledged having an affair with a former staff member who subsequently died by suicide.
Florida Republican Representative Byron Donalds, who is pursuing his own gubernatorial campaign, said both Swalwell and Gonzales “need to go home” and pledged to vote for expelling both lawmakers.
Khanna similarly expressed support for congressional action against both representatives.
“So, it depends on if it’s worded in a fair way,” Khanna said. “But this shouldn’t be about politics. Anyone who abuses young girls and staffers should not be in the United States Congress.”
The San Francisco Chronicle published a Friday report detailing accusations that Swalwell sexually assaulted a woman during incidents in 2019 and 2024. The accuser stated she avoided contacting police initially because she feared her claims would be dismissed.
According to the Chronicle’s reporting, the woman was employed by Swalwell when the first alleged assault took place in 2019, while the second incident allegedly happened at a charity gala in 2024. The woman claimed she was too intoxicated to provide consent during both encounters.
The newspaper protected the woman’s identity, and The Associated Press has been unable to independently confirm her account or identity. Her legal representative declined to provide comment.
The alleged 2024 incident took place in New York, and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office confirmed Saturday it has opened an investigation. The office encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact its special victims division.
Following the publication of the allegations, Swalwell posted a Friday video on social media saying he would spend the weekend with loved ones and provide an update “very soon.” He is not seeking reelection to his House position.
“These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They’re absolutely false. They did not happen, they have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have,” the congressman declared.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who continues wielding considerable influence in California Democratic politics, said the “serious allegations” require investigation. She revealed she spoke with Swalwell and recommended the investigation occur “outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”
New York Representative Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, and his leadership team have also demanded an investigation while calling for Swalwell to terminate his gubernatorial campaign.
Jayapal and Donalds made their comments during appearances on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” while Khanna was interviewed on “Fox News Sunday.”
