Image: Al-Bayadir al-Siyasi

Rep. Eric Swalwell Faces Calls to Resign Amid Rape and Sexual Misconduct Allegations

12 April, 2026.USA.29 sources

Key Takeaways

Manhattan DA investigating Swalwell for sexual assault allegations.
Democrats urge Swalwell to drop out of California governor race and resign from Congress.
Campaign collapsed as staff resignations, endorsements withdrawn, and a criminal inquiry launched.

Swalwell's Fall

Swalwell's political career unraveled after a former staffer accused him of rape and several other women came forward with claims of sexual misconduct.

Within 24 hours, he went from frontrunner to facing calls to end his campaign and resign from Congress.

ABC News

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office launched a criminal probe into the rape allegation.

Swalwell denied the allegations but admitted to unspecified indiscretions.

Prominent Democrats and Republicans called for him to step aside.

Allegations and Investigation

The most serious allegation came from a former staffer who said Swalwell sexually assaulted her twice when she was too intoxicated to consent.

Three other women described varying degrees of sexual misbehavior.

Al Jazeera

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office confirmed it was investigating the allegations.

Alameda County District Attorney said she was deeply troubled by the allegations.

Swalwell was not under local investigation in Alameda County.

Political Fallout

Swalwell's campaign collapsed as allegations triggered staff resignations and withdrawn endorsements.

“Fellow Democrats urge Swalwell to quit California governor’s race and resign from Congress Fellow Democrats urge Swalwell to quit California governor’s race and resign from Congress WASHINGTON (AP) — Fellow Democrats are abandoning Eric Swalwell’s campaign for California governor in droves after allegations surfaced that he sexually assaulted a former staffer, with a growing number urging the congressman both to quit the race and resign his seat in Congress”