Rep. Eric Swalwell Resigns from Congress Amid Assault Allegations

Rep. Eric Swalwell, a Democrat representing California's 14th Congressional District in the San Francisco Bay Area, announced his resignation from Congress on Monday, capping a rapid unraveling of his political career amid allegations of sexual misconduct and assault.

The 45-year-old lawmaker, who suspended his campaign for California governor just days earlier, cited the need to avoid distracting his constituents as he faces mounting investigations. Swalwell, a former prosecutor and local politician from the East Bay suburb of Dublin, had been a frontrunner in the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom. His district, a heavily Democratic area east of San Francisco, now faces a potential special election to fill the vacancy, with Gov. Newsom authorized to call one under state law. The congressional primary is set for June 2, and six Democrats and two Republicans are competing for the seat, as Swalwell had opted not to seek reelection while pursuing the governorship.

The allegations, detailed in reports last week, involve four women accusing Swalwell of sexual misconduct. One, a former staff member, claimed he sexually assaulted her twice: once in 2019 while she worked...