In a statement shared to social media on Monday, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) announced he planned to resign from Congress after facing sexual assault and misconduct allegations from multiple women.
“I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past,” Swalwell wrote in his statement, which noted he would continue to “fight the serious, false allegation made against me.”
Swalwell, who was previously a candidate for California governor, also addressed growing calls for his expulsion in the House.
“Expelling anyone in Congress without due process, within days of an allegation being made, is wrong,” Swalwell wrote. “But it’s also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress.”
Last week, The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN published reports detailing sexual misconduct allegations against Swalwell. The CNN report included allegations from four women, including one of Swalwell’s former staffers, who said that he sexually assaulted her. A second woman described Swalwell kissing her and touching her leg without her consent, and winding up drunk in his hotel room with little memory of what occurred. Two other women said Swalwell sent them unsolicited nude messages.
The Chronicle report appeared to include allegations from the same former Swalwell staffer who spoke with CNN.
“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the front-runner for governor,” Swalwell told both publications in a statement last week. “For nearly 20 years, I have served the public – as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women. I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action. My focus in the coming days is to be with my wife and children and defend our decades of service against these lies.”
Many Democrats rescinded their backing for Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign, and urged him to drop out after the reports.
On Sunday evening, Swalwell suspended his campaign following pressure from lawmakers, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).
