Particle.news

Eric Swalwell Resigns From Congress and Halts California Governor Bid After Misconduct Allegations

His departure follows mounting ethics scrutiny alongside a Manhattan review, raising new risks for Democrats in California’s top-two primary.

Overview

  • Eric Swalwell resigned his House seat as colleagues prepared expulsion votes, saying the fight over the allegations would distract him from serving his district.
  • The House Ethics Committee opened a formal investigation on Monday into claims of sexual misconduct, and the Manhattan District Attorney is reviewing an alleged 2024 assault in New York.
  • Swalwell suspended his campaign for governor on Sunday after major unions, campaign staff, and senior Democrats pulled support, though he denies the accusations.
  • His name will stay on the June 2 primary ballot because he withdrew after the filing deadline, a quirk that could splinter Democratic votes under the state’s top-two system.
  • At least five women have now publicly accused him, including a new 2018 allegation by Lonna Drewes, while a parallel push for paired expulsions reached across the aisle as Republican Tony Gonzales also resigned.