Sexual misconduct allegations against CA Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell trigger bipartisan backlash

A growing controversy surrounding Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California has quickly expanded from a state-level campaign issue into a high-stakes conflict in Congress, with potential consequences for both his political future and the balance of power in the House.

Swalwell, who is campaigning to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom in California, is facing multiple accusations of sexual misconduct, including claims from a former staffer who alleged assault. He has firmly denied the allegations, stating, “These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They’re absolutely false. They did not happen, they have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have.” He has also signaled possible legal action against his accuser.

Despite his denial, support for his gubernatorial bid has collapsed at a rapid pace. Key backers — including U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff and major labor organizations — have withdrawn endorsements, while others have called on him to exit the race entirely. Even longtime Democratic figures like Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have urged that the “serious allegations” be investigated outside the context of the campaign.

The accusations, first detailed in reporting by the San Francisco Chronicle, include claims of assaults in 2019 and 2024. The woman involved said she did not report the incidents to police out of fear she would not be believed. While her account has not been independently verified, it has intensified scrutiny, especially as additional reports surfaced alleging inappropriate messages sent to other women.

The political backlash has extended beyond California. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are preparing for a rare and consequential confrontation. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Florida Republican, has announced plans to force a House vote to expel Swalwell. In response, Democrats are expected to push for action against embattled Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican, who admitted to an affair with a staffer prior to her death by suicide and has since abandoned his reelection campaign. Any expulsion would require a two-thirds majority — a threshold rarely met, with only a handful of such cases in U.S. history, most recently involving New York Rep. George Santos in 2023.

Meanwhile, Swalwell has paused campaign appearances and indicated he will provide an update soon, as California’s primary election approaches. With ballots set to go out in the coming weeks, the controversy has injected uncertainty into an already crowded and competitive race.

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