Swalwell resigns from House after misconduct claims

Representative Eric Swalwell, a Democrat from California, resigned from the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday, April 13, 2026, after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct were reported in recent days.

The resignation followed reports that emerged last week involving claims from former congressional aides and other women. Swalwell, 45, had served in Congress since 2013 and had been a contender in the California gubernatorial race. He announced his decision in a statement posted to his X account.

In that statement, Swalwell denied some of the allegations while also acknowledging what he described as “mistakes in judgment.” He said he was stepping down to avoid creating a distraction from his duties. At the same time, he said he opposed expulsion without due process.

Specific allegations were described in separate reports. The San Francisco Chronicle reported on Friday that a former aide accused Swalwell of sexual assault. CNN reported additional claims from three other women involving unsolicited explicit messages and nude photos.

Swalwell’s departure came as pressure increased within Congress. According to the source material, some colleagues were planning to introduce a resolution seeking his expulsion, a step that would have escalated the matter into a formal House process. His resignation removed the immediate need for that planned action, though the underlying allegations remain part of the public record as described by the reports.

The move also intersected with California politics. The source material says Swalwell had been a contender in the California gubernatorial race and that he suspended his gubernatorial campaign one day before announcing his resignation from the House.

For markets and institutions, the episode underscores how political risk can shift quickly when allegations involve senior public officials. While the source material does not describe any direct policy or legislative changes tied to Swalwell’s resignation, the event adds near-term uncertainty around representation and political dynamics linked to a sitting member’s sudden exit.

Key unknowns remain based on the information provided. The source material does not detail any investigative findings, legal proceedings, or outcomes related to the allegations, and it does not specify what next steps, if any, will follow beyond the resignation itself.