WASHINGTON — Federal lawmakers have launched a formal ethics investigation into California Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell following accusations of sexual misconduct involving a staff member who worked under him, officials announced Monday.
The congressional probe was revealed just 24 hours after Swalwell withdrew from the California governor’s race as allegations surfaced that he has consistently rejected.
Democratic Party members swiftly withdrew their backing of Swalwell following reports that he sexually assaulted a woman on two occasions, including during her employment in his office. These accusations, first detailed by the San Francisco Chronicle and subsequently reported by CNN, emerged just as Swalwell was gaining momentum as a top candidate in the competitive gubernatorial contest.
“I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s,” Swalwell said in a social media post.
Committee officials emphasized that initiating this investigation and making it public does not suggest any wrongdoing has been established.
The investigation announcement follows mounting pressure from legislators across party lines demanding Swalwell’s resignation from Congress. Some discussions have even addressed the possibility of a House expulsion vote, though no such measure has been placed on the legislative calendar.
The Ethics Committee’s decision to begin its own investigation may temporarily halt other immediate congressional actions regarding the matter.
