House Ethics Committee Launches Inquiry into Eric Swalwell Amid Sexual Misconduct Claims
The House Ethics Committee has initiated an inquiry into Eric Swalwell, a Democratic congressman from California, after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced, leading to the abrupt end of his gubernatorial campaign.
This announcement came on Monday, coinciding with increasing calls from lawmakers across party lines for Swalwell's expulsion from Congress.
In a statement, the committee clarified, “The mere fact that it is investigating these allegations, and publicly disclosing its review, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred.”
“No other public comment will be made on this matter except in accordance with Committee rules,” the statement continued, emphasizing procedural integrity.
Reports from various outlets, including CNN and The San Francisco Chronicle, detailed accusations from four women against Swalwell. One staffer alleged that he sexually assaulted her in both 2019 and 2024.
Once a leading candidate for the Democratic nomination for California governor, Swalwell faced mounting pressure from fellow Democrats, including former supporters, prompting him to withdraw from the race on Sunday.
Currently, the House is deliberating on whether to pursue a collective expulsion of Swalwell alongside several other members embroiled in investigations.
In a related context, Republican Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas announced he would not seek re-election after revealing an affair with a former staffer who tragically took her own life.
Additionally, Republican Representative Cory Mills from Florida is under scrutiny by the House Ethics Committee for alleged campaign finance violations and domestic violence. Meanwhile, Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick from Florida was found to have committed 25 ethics violations following an investigation last month.
Historically, Congress has expelled members only upon conviction of crimes or acts of treason, reminiscent of expulsions during the Civil War era for those who joined the Confederacy.
With an equal number of members from both parties facing serious ethics investigations, there are suggestions that a comprehensive expulsion might be warranted. “Time to clean House,” stated Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina. “They should resign IMMEDIATELY. If they don’t, we should expel all of them.”
The House Ethics Committee is unique in Congress for its bipartisan composition. Typically, investigations are paused when the Department of Justice launches its own inquiry into a member.
Even if Swalwell resigns, the investigation may persist. A precedent was set in 2024 when the Ethics Committee released a report on Republican Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida shortly after he resigned and withdrew his candidacy for attorney general, detailing allegations of sexual involvement with an underage girl.
