In a dramatic turn that has sent shockwaves through Capitol Hill, Eric Swalwell announced he is resigning from Congress, retreating from public office as allegations of sexual misconduct and multiple investigations gather momentum like a storm closing in.

The California Democrat confirmed his decision in a letter posted on X, acknowledging personal failings while forcefully rejecting the most serious accusations.

“I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgement I've made in my past,” Swalwell wrote. “I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.”

Allegations Trigger Swift Political Collapse

The announcement follows a cascade of accusations from four women last week, ranging from sexual harassment to rape — claims that rapidly eroded Swalwell’s political standing and ignited a formal ethics inquiry in Congress.

Elected to the House in 2012 to represent a district near San Francisco, Swalwell had built a national profile as a vocal critic of Donald Trump. But within hours of the allegations surfacing, his gubernatorial ambitions in California unraveled. Key supporters withdrew, staff members resigned, and momentum vanished almost overnight.

Prosecutors in Manhattan have since opened a parallel investigation, while the House Ethics Committee launched its own review. Meanwhile, Republicans signaled their intent to expel him from Congress, intensifying the pressure.

Resignation Framed as Duty to Constituents

In his letter, Swalwell argued that expulsion without due process would be unjust, likening it to a verdict delivered before a trial begins. Yet he conceded that the growing controversy had become an unavoidable distraction.

“It would be wrong for fellow lawmakers to expel me without due process, within days of an allegation being made,” he said. “But it’s also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore I plan to resign my seat in Congress.”

He added that he would work with his staff to ensure continued service for constituents in his district, which spans east of San Francisco and north of San Jose.

Parallel Scandal Deepens Turmoil in Congress

The fallout widened almost immediately. Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican also under ethics investigation, announced he would file for retirement from office upon Congress’s return.

Gonzales had already abandoned his re-election bid after admitting to an affair with an aide who later died by suicide. Over the weekend, several lawmakers suggested expelling both men, reflecting a rare moment of bipartisan outrage.

Posting on X, Gonzales wrote: “There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas.”

California Governor’s Race Thrown Into Uncertainty

Swalwell’s exit also reshapes California’s high-stakes gubernatorial race. Once considered a leading contender among Democrats, his withdrawal leaves a crowded field without a clear frontrunner.

California’s “open” primary system — where voters can choose candidates regardless of party — adds another layer of unpredictability. The top two vote-getters in June advance to the November general election, regardless of affiliation.

That dynamic raises a striking possibility: Democrats, despite controlling both the state legislature and governor’s office, could be shut out of the general election entirely if two Republican candidates surge ahead in the primary.

State election officials confirmed Monday that it is too late to remove Swalwell’s name from the ballot, leaving his candidacy as a ghost in the race — present, but politically extinguished.