WASHINGTON — The House Ethics Committee has initiated an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving Rep. Eric Swalwell, a Democrat from California, and a staff member who worked under his supervision, the committee revealed on Monday.
This investigation comes on the heels of Swalwell’s decision to suspend his campaign for California governor, a move prompted by the emergence of these allegations, which he fervently denies.
Support among Democrats quickly waned after accusations surfaced, alleging that Swalwell sexually assaulted a woman on two occasions, including one instance when she was employed by him. These claims were first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and subsequently by CNN, just as Swalwell was gaining traction in the competitive gubernatorial race.
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In a statement on social media, Swalwell declared, “I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made – but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.”
The Ethics Committee emphasized that the initiation and public announcement of this investigation do not imply any wrongdoing on Swalwell’s part at this stage.
The announcement of the investigation comes as a growing number of lawmakers, from both political parties, have called on Swalwell to resign from Congress. Conversations have even moved toward a potential House vote to expel the congressman, but no floor action has been scheduled.
The Ethics panel’s decision to launch its own probe could potentially stall, for now, any other immediate action in Congress.
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