The House Ethics Committee confirmed Monday that it has opened a formal investigation into Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA), following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a former staffer.
The announcement follows a turbulent 24 hours for the congressman, who officially suspended his bid for California governor on Sunday as political support for his candidacy evaporated.
The investigation centers on claims that Swalwell engaged in misconduct toward an employee under his direct supervision. These reports, first detailed by the San Francisco Chronicle and later corroborated by CNN, include allegations of two separate instances of sexual assault, one of which reportedly occurred during the woman’s employment with his office.
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While Swalwell had recently gained momentum in a competitive gubernatorial field, high-profile Democrats moved swiftly to distance themselves from his campaign once the allegations went public.
Despite the ongoing investigation and the end of his gubernatorial run, Swalwell has maintained his innocence.
In a statement shared on social media, the congressman addressed the situation directly. “I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s,” Swalwell wrote.
The Ethics Committee noted that the decision to publicly disclose the review is a procedural step and does not constitute a final judgment on the matter.
The panel clarified that the existence of an active investigation does not inherently mean a violation of House rules or federal law has taken place.
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No specific timeline for the probe has been released, but the committee is expected to review testimony and evidence regarding the nature of Swalwell’s conduct toward his subordinates.
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