The Justice Department is looking into several sexual assault claims against former California Representative Eric Swalwell, as confirmed by a source familiar with the situation. In recent weeks, five women have accused Swalwell of sexual assault and harassment spanning several years. District attorneys in both Los Angeles and New York have initiated their own investigations into the matter.
Currently, at least two criminal investigations are in progress. The allegations include serious charges like drugging and raping a woman, as well as sexually assaulting a staff member. Swalwell has denied the accusations but has acknowledged that he made certain mistakes.
In light of these allegations, Swalwell has suspended his campaign for governor of California and has stepped down from his congressional role. “I deeply apologize to my family, staff, and constituents for the errors in judgment I’ve made in the past,” he stated in a resignation announcement. He mentioned his intention to combat what he calls serious and false allegations against him but also accepted responsibility for his past mistakes.
Swalwell expressed concern about efforts to push for his expulsion from Congress so soon after the charges were made. He believes it’s inappropriate to expel someone without due process and noted he shouldn’t distract from his duties to constituents, leading to his decision to resign.
Initially, Swalwell remained quiet amid the accusations but did eventually break his silence this week, speaking to the New York Post.
His spokesperson previously described the allegations as “false and outrageous,” suggesting that they were timed to negatively impact Swalwell’s position as a front-runner in the gubernatorial race.
Swalwell was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2013 after his time as a prosecutor in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. He also served on the City Council in Dublin, California, starting in 2010.
