'I am deeply sorry to my family': Eric Swalwell to resign from Congress amid sexual misconduct allegations
&imwidth=600&imheight=450&format=webp&quality=medium "'I am deeply sorry to my family': Eric Swalwell to resign from Congress amid sexual misconduct allegations")
Eric Swalwell Photograph: (AFP)
Eric Swalwell says he will resign from Congress amid sexual misconduct allegations, citing pressure and due process concerns
Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell said on Monday (April 13) that he plans to resign from Congress amid explosive allegations of sexual misconduct. The California Democrat’s announcement comes after growing pressure from both Democrats and Republicans for him to step down from his role in the House of Representatives. Swalwell had already suspended his California gubernatorial campaign, but calls for his resignation from Congress continued.
“I am deeply sorry to my family, staff and constituents for mistakes in judgement I’ve made in my past,” Swalwell said in a statement posted to X. “I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.” Swalwell has repeatedly denied allegations of sexual assault in the past. He did not specify exactly when he intends to step down, saying instead that he would work with his staff to ensure they can “serve the needs of the good people of the 14th congressional district.”
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He referenced ongoing efforts to remove him from office in his statement. “I am aware of efforts to bring an immediate expulsion vote against other members and me. Expelling anyone in Congress without due process, within days of an allegation being made, is wrong. But it’s also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress.” He did not specify when his resignation would take effect.
Four women accused him last week of misconduct, including allegations ranging from sexual harassment to rape. The development comes as Congress launches an ethics inquiry into Swalwell, who was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2012, representing a district near San Francisco. The development comes one day after Swalwell suspended his bid for California governor and on the same day the House Ethics Committee announced it was launching a probe into the allegations against him.
Tony Gonzales also to resign from Congress
Representative Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican, announced on Monday that he will resign from Congress following mounting bipartisan criticism from House members over allegations that he had a coercive sexual relationship with a staff member who later died by suicide.
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Gonzales, a third-term congressman representing a border district spanning from San Antonio to El Paso, had already been facing a contentious primary race when text messages surfaced showing his pursuit of a female staff member. He had announced last month that he was withdrawing from the race. “There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all,” Mr. Gonzales said in a social media post on Monday. “When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office.”
