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By Gabe Whisnant
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The House Ethics Committee said Monday it has opened an investigation into whether Representative Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat, engaged in sexual misconduct toward an employee who worked under his supervision.
The inquiry comes as Swalwell faces mounting political fallout following allegations he denies and growing bipartisan calls for his resignation or expulsion from Congress. The investigation could slow or temporarily halt lawmakers' immediate efforts to take disciplinary action against the congressman.
Newsweek reached out to Swalwell's office via email on Monday afternoon for comment.
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House Ethics Committee's Swalwell Investigation: What to Know
The bipartisan House Ethics Committee said the mere fact that it is investigating the matter and publicly disclosing its review does not indicate that Swalwell violated House rules or federal law. The panel noted that opening an inquiry is standard practice and does not reflect a conclusion.
The investigation follows reports published by the San Francisco Chronicle and later by CNN that detailed allegations from a woman who said Swalwell sexually assaulted her twice, including once when she worked for him. Swalwell has repeatedly denied the allegations.
Swalwell is also facing a federal immigration investigation after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) referred allegations that he illegally employed a Brazilian nanny to law enforcement, adding to a deepening political crisis over unrelated sexual misconduct allegations he has denied.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) agency confirmed it had been collecting information on allegations that Swalwell hired a Brazilian national as a nanny without lawful work authorization.
California Governor Campaign Suspended, Support Collapses
The committee’s announcement came one day after Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor as Democratic support for his bid rapidly unraveled.
“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.
As the allegations emerged, Democrats quickly distanced themselves from the congressman, even as he had been gaining traction in the crowded gubernatorial race. Several allies withdrew endorsements, and party leaders declined to publicly defend him.
The woman told the Chronicle that the first alleged assault occurred in 2019 while she was working for Swalwell, and that another took place in 2024 following a charity gala, after she had left his office. She said she was too intoxicated to consent in both instances. The newspaper said it reviewed text messages related to the alleged 2024 assault and spoke with people whom she had told about it.
Bipartisan Calls Grow for Resignation or Expulsion
A growing number of lawmakers from both parties have called on Swalwell to resign from Congress, and conversations have turned toward whether the House should consider expelling him.
Representative Anna Paulina Luna, a Florida Republican, said she plans to file a motion to expel Swalwell, though no vote has been scheduled. Such a move could prompt Democrats to force similar votes against Republicans accused of misconduct.
One possible target is Representative Tony Gonzales, a Republican from Texas, who has acknowledged an affair with a former staff member who later died by suicide.
The Ethics Committee’s decision to launch its own probe could slow any immediate action in Congress, as leadership often waits for the panel’s findings. Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington said both lawmakers should resign, while Republican Representative Byron Donalds of Florida said he would vote to expel both if given the chance.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
Update 4/13/26, 3:44 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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