House Ethics Committee Launches Probe into Rep. Eric Swalwell Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

WASHINGTON — The House Ethics Committee announced Monday it has initiated a formal investigation into Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California, delving into multiple allegations of sexual misconduct that have upended his gubernatorial campaign and now threaten his congressional seat.

In a terse statement, the committee said it would examine whether Swalwell violated House conduct rules or federal law "with respect to allegations that he may have engaged in sexual misconduct, including toward a subordinate employee." The probe follows a San Francisco Chronicle report last Friday detailing accusations from a former staffer who alleges Swalwell assaulted her while she was incapacitated in 2019 and again earlier this year. Three additional women have since come forward to CNN with similar accounts.

The announcement arrives as Swalwell’s political standing rapidly erodes. He suspended his campaign for California governor over the weekend and now faces mounting pressure to resign from Congress. Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida has vowed to force an expulsion vote this week—a move several Democrats indicate they may support.

Swalwell has vehemently denied the assault allegations, labeling them "flat false" in a public statement. "I have made mistakes in judgment," he acknowledged in a video address Friday, "but those mistakes are between me and my wife." He pledged to contest the claims vigorously.

Ethics Committee investigations are typically conducted confidentially and can span months, potentially providing political cover for lawmakers reluctant to take immediate action. The committee’s decision to proceed, however, signals the allegations have reached a threshold requiring official scrutiny.

Voices from the Public:

Marcus Chen, Political Science Professor, Stanford: "This isn’t just about one member. It tests the Ethics Committee’s credibility and whether Congress can self-police serious misconduct. The bipartisan support for an investigation suggests the evidence is substantial."

Rebecca Vance, Nonprofit Director, Sacramento: "As a survivor, I’m relieved to see accountability moving forward, but why did it take multiple women and media pressure? The system protects its own until it can’t."

David Park, Small Business Owner, Swalwell’s District: "He hasn’t been convicted of anything. This feels like a political takedown right after he ended his governor run. Let the process work."

Lisa Torres, Activist, Los Angeles: "Enough with the secretive committees and slow-walking. If the allegations are true, he should be gone tomorrow. Every day he stays mocks every victim who’s come forward."