Swalwell faces ethics probe over misconduct claims

The U.S. House Ethics Committee has opened an investigation into Eric Swalwell over allegations of sexual misconduct involving a staff member, intensifying political pressure on the California Democrat.

The inquiry, announced Monday, follows reports that Swalwell sexually assaulted a woman on two occasions, including during a period when she worked under his supervision. The congressman has denied the accusations.

Investigation follows campaign collapse

The probe comes just one day after Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor as the allegations surfaced publicly.

“I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s,” Swalwell said in a statement.

The claims, first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and later by CNN, quickly reshaped the political landscape of the race, where Swalwell had been emerging as a leading contender.

Pressure builds in Congress

The launch of the Swalwell ethics probe misconduct case has triggered calls from lawmakers in both parties for his resignation.

Some members of Congress have also discussed the possibility of a House vote to expel him, though no formal action has been scheduled.

The Ethics Committee emphasized that opening an investigation does not imply wrongdoing, but rather signals that the allegations warrant formal review.

What comes next

The committee’s investigation could delay any immediate disciplinary action while lawmakers await its findings.

For now, Swalwell remains in office, but the outcome of the probe will likely determine both his political future and whether Congress moves forward with further measures.