WASHINGTON — Federal lawmakers have initiated a formal ethics investigation into California Representative Eric Swalwell following accusations of sexual misconduct involving a staff member who worked under his authority, according to an announcement made Monday by the House Ethics Committee.
The investigation was announced just one day after the Democratic congressman halted his bid for California’s governorship when serious allegations surfaced that he continues to refute.
Support from fellow Democrats evaporated rapidly after reports emerged claiming Swalwell sexually assaulted a woman on two separate occasions, including during her employment in his office. These accusations, first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and subsequently covered by CNN, surfaced just as Swalwell was gaining momentum as a top candidate in the competitive gubernatorial race.
“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 launching this investigation and making it public does not suggest any wrongdoing has been confirmed.
The investigation announcement follows mounting pressure from legislators across party lines demanding Swalwell’s resignation from Congress. Some discussions have even explored the possibility of a House vote to remove the congressman from office, though no such vote has been officially scheduled.
The Ethics Committee’s decision to begin its own investigation may temporarily halt any other immediate congressional actions regarding Swalwell’s future.
