Swalwell Resigns Congress; California Special Election Set

Eric Swalwell of California resigned from Congress on Monday, April 13, 2026, following multiple sexual assault and misconduct allegations, a decision that triggers a special election in his district and caps his gubernatorial campaign withdrawal. Swalwell, a seven-term lawmaker, was a leading California gubernatorial candidate before dropping out Sunday after the allegations surfaced.

The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN first reported allegations of sexual assault and other misconduct from four women, claims Swalwell denies. He stated, "I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past," and committed to fighting "serious false allegation[s]." The House Ethics Committee initiated an investigation, and other lawmakers advocated for his expulsion.

Separately, Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas announced his "retirement from office" after acknowledging an affair with a staff member who died by suicide.

Prominent Democrats, including Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego and California Sen.

Adam Schiff, urged Swalwell's resignation. Swalwell cited the distraction from duties and the "wrong" nature of an expulsion vote without due process as reasons for his departure.

His resignation from the district he won by over 30 percentage points in 2024 mandates the California governor to call a special election within 14 days. The House Ethics probe's continuation is uncertain, as investigations often conclude upon a lawmaker's resignation.