Congressional ethics enforcement expands as multiple members face investigations
House ethics investigations and committee sanctions signal expanding congressional accountability enforcement mechanisms.
Event / Politics
US Congressional Ethics Investigations
Multiple members of Congress face investigations by the House Ethics Committee for sexual misconduct, domestic violence, financial misconduct, and other allegations. Cases include expulsion efforts, committee sanctions, and resignations.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 11 Apr, 05:36 UTC
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What happened
Democratic House leaders call for Swalwell to end California gubernatorial campaign
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, and House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued a joint statement calling the sexual assault accusations 'incredibly disturbing' and demanding that Swalwell 'immediately end his campaign to be California's next Governor.' They called for a swift investigation into the incidents and praised the women for coming forward. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also urged Swalwell to withdraw, stating the matter must be investigated 'outside of a gubernatorial campaign' with 'full transparency and accountability.'
Multiple Democratic senators and representatives withdraw endorsements of Swalwell
U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) withdrew their endorsements of Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign following the sexual assault allegations. Representatives Ted Lieu (D-CA) and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) also rescinded their support. Schiff stated the woman 'was brave to come forward' and called for Swalwell to withdraw from the race. Gallego expressed shock, stating he regretted defending Swalwell on social media before knowing the full information.
Swalwell's political coalition rapidly collapses following assault allegations
Within hours of the sexual assault allegations becoming public, Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign experienced significant political fallout. Labor groups and major organizations including the California Teachers Association suspended or withdrew support. Campaign staffers and advisers resigned. His ActBlue campaign donation page stopped accepting contributions. Gubernatorial rivals Katie Porter, Betty Yee, and Tom Steyer also called for accountability, with Porter calling the allegations 'horrifying.'
Swalwell denies sexual assault allegations as politically motivated
Representative Eric Swalwell denied all allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, calling them false and politically motivated, stating they came 'on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor.' He said he has served the public for nearly 20 years as a prosecutor and congressman and has 'always protected women.' Swalwell stated he would defend himself with facts and pursue legal action where necessary, emphasizing his focus on being with his wife and children.
Multiple women accuse Representative Eric Swalwell of sexual assault and misconduct
A former staffer accused Representative Eric Swalwell of sexually assaulting her on two separate occasions: once in September 2019 after she became severely intoxicated at drinks, waking up naked in his hotel bed; and again in April 2024 at a charity event when she allegedly pushed him away and told him 'No' while he allegedly forced himself on her. The woman said Swalwell began pursuing her within weeks after she was hired at age 21 in 2019, sending explicit images and requesting nude pictures. Three additional women told CNN of alleged sexual misconduct by Swalwell, including unwanted kissing and touching without consent.
Rep. Swalwell denies sexual assault allegations and vows legal action
Rep. Eric Swalwell categorically denied the sexual assault allegations in a video posted to social media on April 10, 2026, calling them 'absolutely false' and 'flat false.' He acknowledged making mistakes in judgment in his past and apologized to his wife. His attorney, Elias Dabaie, stated that Swalwell intends to 'vindicate his rights in court' and sent cease and desist letters to two of the accusers.
California Governor Newsom says allegations against Swalwell are deeply troubling
California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement saying that the allegations from multiple sources against Swalwell are 'deeply troubling and must be taken seriously.'
Major labor unions withdraw and reconsider endorsements of Swalwell
Key labor backers including SEIU California, the California Teachers Association, and California Federation of Labor Unions convened emergency meetings to reconsider their endorsements of Swalwell. The California Federation of Labor Unions formally withdrew their endorsement on Saturday.
Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign stops accepting donations
Swalwell's campaign website stopped accepting donations on Friday following publication of the sexual assault allegations. The allegations emerged while Swalwell was running to replace outgoing California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Nancy Pelosi and House Democratic leaders call for Swalwell to drop out of governor's race
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi, and key endorsers including California Sen. Adam Schiff and Arizona Sen. Reuben Gallego called on Swalwell to withdraw from the California gubernatorial race. Campaign co-chairs Rep. Jimmy Gomez and Rep. Adam Gray also called for his withdrawal. Eight of nine other major gubernatorial candidates had called for Swalwell to drop out by Saturday morning.
Manhattan District Attorney's Office opens investigation into Swalwell allegations
The Manhattan District Attorney's Office in New York City said it was investigating allegations against Swalwell. The office urged survivors and anyone with knowledge of the allegations to contact their Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna introduces motion to expel Swalwell from Congress
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Florida, announced she plans to introduce a motion to expel Swalwell from Congress on Monday, April 14, 2026. The motion would require support from two-thirds of the House. Luna argued that Swalwell should not remain in office while facing the allegations and should not receive taxpayer compensation while the scandal plays out.
Four women accuse Rep. Eric Swalwell of sexual misconduct and assault
Four women have made allegations of sexual misconduct and assault against Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif. One woman, a former staffer, alleged sexual assault in 2019 and 2024 when she was too intoxicated to consent. Another woman, influencer Ally Sammarco, said she received unsolicited nude photos and inappropriate messages on Snapchat in 2021. Three additional women told CNN of unwanted advances including explicit messages and nude photos.
Major labor unions rescind endorsements of Rep. Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign
Multiple major labor unions withdrew their endorsements of Rep. Eric Swalwell's campaign for California governor in response to the sexual assault allegations. The Service Employees International Union California, the California Federation of Labor Unions, and the California Teachers Association all rescinded their support for his candidacy.
Manhattan District Attorney's Office launches investigation into sexual assault allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell
The Manhattan District Attorney's Office, headed by Alvin Bragg, initiated an investigation into allegations that Rep. Eric Swalwell sexually assaulted women. The office's Special Victims Division urged survivors and anyone with knowledge of the allegations to contact them at 212-335-9373, offering trauma-informed support.
Rep. Eric Swalwell denies all sexual assault and misconduct allegations
Rep. Eric Swalwell categorically denied all allegations of sexual assault and misconduct in a video posted to social media on Friday, April 10, stating that the allegations are 'flat false' and 'absolutely false,' claiming they 'did not happen' and that he will 'fight them with everything I have.'
Republican congresswomen propose censure and expulsion resolutions against Rep. Swalwell
Two Republican congresswomen introduced measures seeking punishment against Rep. Eric Swalwell. Rep. Lauren Boebert announced plans to force a floor vote on a resolution to censure Swalwell, which requires a simple majority to pass. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna introduced a resolution to expel Swalwell from Congress, which requires a two-thirds majority vote to succeed.
Three additional women accuse Rep. Swalwell of sexual misconduct including non-consensual kissing and unsolicited sexual images
Three additional women accused Rep. Eric Swalwell of sexual misconduct. One woman alleged he kissed her without her consent in public. Two other women reported that Swalwell sent them unsolicited photographs or videos of his penis.
Former congressional staffer alleges Rep. Eric Swalwell sexually assaulted her twice in 2019 and 2024
A former staffer of Rep. Eric Swalwell alleged that he sexually assaulted her in two separate incidents. The first incident occurred in September 2019 when she attended drinks with Swalwell and became severely intoxicated; she reported waking naked in his hotel bed with signs of intercourse. The second incident allegedly occurred in April 2024 at a charity gala in New York City, where she claimed she became intoxicated and Swalwell forced himself on her despite her saying no and pushing him away.
Democratic leaders call on Rep. Swalwell to withdraw from California governor's race
Multiple Democratic leaders and figures called on Rep. Eric Swalwell to immediately end his campaign for California governor following the sexual assault allegations. Those calling for his withdrawal included Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, Senators Adam Schiff and Ruben Gallego, and Representatives Ted Lieu and Jared Moskowitz.
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2 alternative perspectives
Rep. Mace faces House Ethics Committee investigation
Rep. Mace faces formal House Ethics Committee investigation into misconduct allegations.
Mills faces expulsion motion, ethics probe, and protective order
Mills faces expulsion motion, ethics investigation, protective order, and assault probe.
Manhattan DA Investigation Deepens as Swalwell Faces Formal Law Enforcement Scrutiny
Manhattan DA investigation into Swalwell sexual assault allegations represents first formal law enforcement intervention in escalating case.
New allegations emerge as investigations into Swalwell misconduct deepen
New allegations of drugging, rape, and assault add to documented pattern of Swalwell misconduct claims across multiple women.
Swalwell resigns from Congress as expulsion motion advances
Rep. Swalwell resigns from Congress following expulsion motion and campaign suspension over sexual misconduct allegations.
Rep. Gonzales announces resignation from Congress
Rep. Gonzales resigns from Congress amid ongoing sexual misconduct investigations affecting multiple lawmakers.
Swalwell announces congressional resignation amid expulsion motion
Swalwell resigns from Congress and withdraws from gubernatorial race amid sexual misconduct allegations and expulsion motion.
Investigations intensify as Ethics Committee and DA probe Swalwell allegations
Federal and congressional investigations launched into Swalwell's alleged sexual misconduct; congressman denies allegations.
Swalwell resigns from Congress as expulsion motion advances
Swalwell resigns from Congress after expulsion motion introduction and multiple sexual misconduct allegations.
House Ethics Committee and DA Launch Formal Investigations Into Swalwell
House Ethics Committee and DA open formal investigations into Swalwell's alleged sexual misconduct.
Swalwell suspends California gubernatorial campaign amid allegations
Swalwell suspends gubernatorial campaign after Democratic leaders call for withdrawal amid sexual misconduct allegations.