Sexual abuse allegations are spurring calls for a broader reckoning in Congress

US Congressman Eric Swalwell will resign from Congress after facing sexual misconduct allegations from four women. The accusations, ranging from sexual harassment to rape, surfaced last week and prompted an ethics inquiry. Swalwell, a Democrat representing a California district near San Francisco, announced his resignation via X, expressing regret for past mistakes while denying the allegations. This decision follows his withdrawal from the California governor race and the loss of support from prominent backers. Simultaneously, Texas Republican Tony Gonzales, also facing an ethics inquiry, announced his upcoming retirement. Both congressmen were facing calls for expulsion from other House lawmakers.

Texas Republican Representative Tony Gonzales announced his resignation from Congress amid a House ethics committee investigation and growing expulsion threats. The investigation stemmed from his admission of an extramarital affair with a former staffer, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide in September 2025. Gonzales acknowledged the affair after the ethics committee opened its investigation into potential sexual misconduct and discriminatory practices. Text messages surfaced allegedly showing Gonzales requesting inappropriate photos from Santos-Aviles. While Gonzales initially stated he would serve out his term after ending his re-election campaign, he has now decided to retire. The effective date of his resignation remains unclear.

Following the suspension of Eric Swalwell's campaign and his resignation from Congress due to sexual assault allegations, the California gubernatorial race is moving forward. A group of remaining candidates will appear together in Sacramento, seeking to gain support from Swalwell's former voters. The crowded field of over 50 candidates makes the June primary election unpredictable. Democrats worry that a divided vote could lead to Republicans dominating the November general election ballot. While Donald Trump endorsed Steve Hilton, Republicans have not yet settled on a preferred candidate, with Hilton and Chad Bianco splitting support. The outcome of the election remains uncertain.

Lonna Drewes publicly accused U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell of rape at a news conference in Beverly Hills on April 14, 2026. Drewes alleges the assault occurred in 2018 at a Southern California hotel, claiming she was drugged and then raped by Swalwell. She plans to report the incident to law enforcement. The accusation follows Swalwell's recent announcement that he would withdraw from the California governor's race and resign from Congress this week, prompted by prior allegations of sexual misconduct from other women. Swalwell's attorney has not yet responded to requests for comment. These allegations include claims of nonconsensual sex, inappropriate messages, and nude photos.

Lonna Drewes publicly accused Congressman Eric Swalwell of sexual assault at a press conference in Beverly Hills on Tuesday. Drewes alleges that in 2018, after meeting Swalwell at a restaurant opening, he drugged and raped her in his hotel room. She claims she was incapacitated and lost consciousness during the assault. Drewes stated she disclosed the assault to close contacts and documented it in her calendar and therapy sessions. She cited fear of Swalwell's political power and legal background as reasons for her delayed reporting. Drewes plans to file a police report with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office. Her lawyer, Lisa Bloom, stated that three other women have contacted her with information since the press conference was announced.

Two women who accused Congressman Eric Swalwell of sending unwanted explicit photos expressed feeling vindicated after he announced his resignation from Congress and withdrew from the California governor's race. The accusations, along with claims from two other women alleging misconduct ranging from sexual harassment to rape, prompted a congressional ethics inquiry and potential expulsion. Swalwell apologized to his family, staff, and constituents for past mistakes in judgement but denied claims of sexual abuse. He stated he would fight false allegations made against him while taking responsibility for his errors. Swalwell, a Democrat, was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012, representing a district near San Francisco. One of the accusers stated that justice would only be served when he could no longer harm women and faced full consequences for his actions.

Representative Eric Swalwell, a leading Democratic candidate for California governor, has suspended his campaign following allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. A former staff member accused Swalwell of sexual assault, while three other women alleged he sent unsolicited nude photos and explicit messages. Swalwell denies the allegations, calling them false and a politically motivated attack. His campaign was also facing scrutiny over alleged immigration law violations related to hiring a nanny without work authorization. Several prominent supporters, including Senators Schiff and Padilla, withdrew their endorsements, and campaign staff resigned, leading to Swalwell's decision to suspend his campaign.

Eric Swalwell has suspended his campaign for California governor following sexual assault allegations. The announcement came after *The San Francisco Chronicle* and CNN reported accusations from a former staffer and other women detailing non-consensual sexual encounters and misconduct. Several Democratic lawmakers, including Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, and Eugene Vindman, have called for Swalwell to resign from Congress. Over 50 of Swalwell's former staffers also signed an open letter urging his resignation from Congress and the gubernatorial race. Swalwell denies the allegations, calling them "absolutely false," but stated he will focus on fighting them rather than continuing his campaign.

US Congressman Eric Swalwell has withdrawn from the California governor's race following allegations of sexual misconduct. Four women have accused the Democrat of offenses ranging from sexual harassment to rape, which he denies. Despite his denial and vow to defend himself, pressure mounted from allies for him to exit the race. Swalwell, previously considered a frontrunner, announced his decision on X, apologizing for past mistakes in judgment. His departure occurs just weeks before mail-in ballots are sent for the June 2 election to replace Governor Gavin Newsom. He stated he will fight the allegations personally, separate from his campaign.

The House Ethics Committee has launched an investigation into Representative Eric Swalwell, a Democrat from California, following allegations of sexual misconduct. The allegations, which Swalwell denies, involve a former employee and include two alleged assaults in 2019 and 2024. The announcement follows Swalwell's suspension of his campaign for California governor after the allegations surfaced. Several lawmakers have called for Swalwell's resignation, and there has been discussion of a potential House vote to expel him. The Ethics Committee's investigation may delay any immediate action in Congress, including a motion to expel Swalwell introduced by a Republican representative.

California gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell, a Democratic congressman, is facing a significant setback as prominent supporters withdrew their endorsements on Friday following sexual assault allegations. Swalwell denies the allegations, calling them "absolutely false" and vowing to fight them. The allegations surfaced as voters are set to receive mail ballots next month ahead of the June 2 election. High-profile figures like Senator Adam Schiff and powerful labor unions have retracted their support, urging Swalwell to exit the race. Governor Gavin Newsom called the allegations "deeply troubling" and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggested an investigation outside of the campaign.

Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell, a leading candidate for California governor, is facing sexual misconduct allegations from former staff members. The allegations, ranging from sexual harassment to rape, surfaced publicly on Friday in the San Francisco Chronicle. A former staffer accused Swalwell of inappropriate comments, sexual messages, and an incident in 2019 where she woke up naked in his hotel room with limited memory of the previous night. Swalwell denies the allegations, claiming they are false and politically motivated, as they come before the 2 June Democratic primary. Despite his denial, opponents and some supporters, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have called for him to withdraw from the race. The winner of the Democratic primary is expected to win the 3 November general election in the heavily Democratic state.

Eric Swalwell's California gubernatorial campaign is facing significant challenges after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced. A San Francisco Chronicle report detailed accusations from a former employee who alleged sexual assault by Swalwell on two occasions. CNN also reported allegations from three other women, which Swalwell denies. As a result, several campaign staffers have resigned, and prominent political figures, including Senators Adam Schiff and Ruben Gallego, have withdrawn their endorsements. Swalwell, a sitting congressman, has publicly defended himself, claiming the allegations are false and politically motivated, and stated he will pursue legal action. The allegations come after online posts foreshadowed the accusations, which Swalwell previously dismissed as attempts to derail his campaign.

The Manhattan District Attorney's office is investigating sexual assault allegations against California gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Congressman Eric Swalwell. A former staffer accused Swalwell of two nonconsensual sexual encounters, one in 2019 while she worked for him and another in 2024 in a New York hotel, alleging rape in the latter instance. Swalwell denies the accusations, calling them "absolutely false," but several Democrats have urged him to end his campaign. The accuser claims she was too intoxicated to consent during both encounters. CNN also reported that three other women have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct. The Manhattan DA's office is asking anyone with information to contact its special victims division.