Swalwell says he plans to resign from Congress amid sexual assault allegations

Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell has made the decision to resign from his seat in Congress amidst allegations of sexual assault that have been swirling around him. The allegations have led to calls for his resignation or expulsion from Congress. This comes just a day after Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor.

In a statement posted on social media, Swalwell expressed his deep apologies to his family, staff, and constituents. He maintained his innocence by stating that he will fight the serious and false allegations made against him. Swalwell also addressed the potential expulsion vote looming over him, emphasizing the importance of due process and his constituents’ need for undistracted representation. As a result, he has decided to resign from his position in Congress.

The House Ethics Committee has announced that they will be launching an investigation into the allegations against Swalwell. Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida had previously stated her intention to push for a vote to expel Swalwell if he did not resign. Luna has since commented on Swalwell’s decision to resign, acknowledging it as the correct choice but calling for a thorough criminal investigation.

The allegations against Swalwell involve a former staffer who claimed to have had sexual encounters with him while she worked for him. She alleges that Swalwell sexually assaulted her on two occasions when she was too intoxicated to give consent. Additionally, CNN has reported on three other women who have come forward with allegations of inappropriate behavior by Swalwell. It is important to note that ABC News has not independently verified these accounts.

Swalwell did not specify when he plans to step down from his position in Congress. Once he resigns, House Democrats will be left with 213 members. It is expected that Clay Fuller, the winner of a special election in Georgia, will be sworn in as the 218th member on Tuesday evening. Independent Rep. Kevin Kiley, who currently conferences with Republicans, would give Speaker Mike Johnson 219 votes.

The process of filling Swalwell’s seat will ultimately fall to California Governor Gavin Newsom. Under California statutes, vacancies in the U.S. House of Representatives are typically filled through special elections. However, the Governor has the discretion to decline to issue an election proclamation if the vacancy occurs after the close of the nomination period in the final year of the term of office.

Qualifying for the ballot in California closed in early March, and Swalwell’s current term in Congress ends after this year. Newsom’s office is currently reviewing the matter and will make an official announcement once the seat is formally vacant. The decision to call a special election or not will ultimately rest with the Governor.