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House Ethics Committee Opens Investigation into Rep. Eric Swalwell Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations
The House Committee on Ethics announced an investigation into Rep. Eric Swalwell on April 13, 2026, regarding accusations of sexual misconduct, including toward subordinates. Swalwell, a California Democrat, suspended his gubernatorial bid amid the allegations. The probe will examine potential violations of the Code of Official Conduct or laws.
Apr 13, 3:34 PM·3m read3 sources
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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 included claims that the lawmaker raped a woman while she was intoxicated and left her bruised and bleeding.
The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has opened an investigation into that report. Other former female subordinates accused Swalwell of sending them explicit photos, while one woman alleged she woke up next to him in a hotel room after a drunken night out after he kissed her and touched her leg without her consent the previous evening.
Swalwell suspended his bid for California governor Sunday night and is facing calls to resign or be expelled from Congress. While the Democrat vowed to fight the serious, false allegations against him, he also apologized for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past.
In 2020, Swalwell had been in hot water for his interactions with Christine Fang, a suspected Chinese spy, but he has always denied that their relationship had a sexual component, despite widespread speculation. The House is set to reconvene Tuesday, and the matter of Swalwell's future in DC is expected to be hotly debated.
Only six House members have ever been expelled, which requires a two-thirds vote. Due to Swalwell's aborted run for governor, he will not seek another term representing California's 14th Congressional District.
The Ethics panel is also investigating at least three other lawmakers who are facing calls for resignation or suspension, Reps. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), and Cory Mills (R-Fla.) Swalwell's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
