House Ethics Committee Opens Investigation into Rep. Eric Swalwell Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations

The House Committee on Ethics opened an investigation into Rep. Eric Swalwell, a Democrat from California, on Monday, April 13, 2026. The bipartisan panel stated it will gather information on allegations that Swalwell engaged in sexual misconduct, including toward an employee under his supervision.

The committee emphasized that initiating the probe does not indicate any violation has occurred. Multiple reports over the weekend detailed accusations against Swalwell, who is married and 45 years old. The allegations involve sexual relations with four women, including subordinates younger than him.

One report from the San Francisco Chronicle described two incidents in 2019 where Swalwell allegedly sexually assaulted a former staffer while she was intoxicated and unable to consent. CNN reported that three other women accused Swalwell of nonconsensual sex or sending inappropriate messages, including nude photos via Snapchat.

One woman stated she woke up next to him in a hotel room after a drunken evening during which he kissed her and touched her leg without consent.

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has opened an investigation into a report that Swalwell raped a woman while she was intoxicated, leaving her bruised and bleeding. Swalwell denied the allegations and described them as false. He suspended his campaign for California governor on Sunday night following pressure from Democratic Party leaders.

Swalwell stated he would fight the accusations but apologized for past mistakes in judgment.

Political Fallout and Calls for Action The House is scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday after a two-week recess for Easter and Passover.

Discussions about Swalwell's future in Congress are expected. Expulsion from the House requires a two-thirds vote and has occurred only six times in history. Swalwell will not seek another term in California's 14th Congressional District due to his aborted gubernatorial run.

Prior to the allegations, he was the top-polling Democrat ahead of the state's June 2 open primary for governor. Other candidates include Katie Porter and Tom Steyer. The Ethics Committee is also investigating at least three other lawmakers facing calls for resignation or suspension: Reps.

Tony Gonzales from Texas, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick from Florida, and Cory Mills from Florida. The panel conducts most investigations privately but plans a public hearing later this month on Cherfilus-McCormick's use of disaster relief funds for her campaigns. Swalwell's office did not respond to requests for comment.

In 2020, Swalwell faced scrutiny for interactions with Christine Fang, a suspected Chinese spy, though he denied any sexual component to their relationship.

Broader Context of the Probe The allegations against Swalwell emerged publicly late last week through multiple news outlets.

Adam Parkhomenko told CNN that his wife, Ally Sammarco, came forward as one of the alleged victims to prevent similar incidents and encourage others to speak out. She provided messages to support her account. The committee's announcement highlighted its role in reviewing potential violations of House rules or laws.

Swalwell's bid for governor positioned him as a leading contender in a race to succeed the term-limited governor. This investigation adds to ongoing Ethics Committee reviews of other members. The panel's work underscores the House's mechanisms for addressing misconduct allegations among its members.