Committee confirms formal review of misconduct claims involving a congressional staffer while emphasizing no conclusions have been reached.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The House Ethics Committee has initiated a formal investigation into allegations involving Rep. Eric Swalwell, a Democrat from California, concerning claims of sexual misconduct tied to his official duties.
In a joint statement released Monday, Committee Chairman Michael Guest and Ranking Member Mark DeSaulnier confirmed the inquiry is being conducted under Committee Rule 18(a), which governs the review of potential violations of the House Code of Official Conduct and related standards.
“The Committee, pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a), has begun an investigation and will gather additional information regarding the allegations that Representative Eric Swalwell violated the Code of Official Conduct or any law, rule, regulation, or other applicable standard of conduct in the performance of his duties or the discharge of his responsibilities, with respect to allegations that he may have engaged in sexual misconduct, including towards an employee working under his supervision,” the statement read.
The committee also noted that the existence of an investigation does not indicate that any violation has occurred and stated that no further public comment will be issued except as permitted under its rules.
The inquiry follows allegations from a former staff member, who told the San Francisco Chronicle that Swalwell engaged in a series of inappropriate encounters over multiple years. According to her account, the incidents began when she was driving the congressman following a donor event, during which she said he attempted to kiss her. She further alleged that during a separate occasion weeks later, Swalwell exposed himself in the vehicle and requested a sexual act, which she said occurred in a parking lot.
The former staffer also described an incident in September 2019, stating that after meeting for drinks, she became highly intoxicated and later woke up in a hotel room with indications that sexual activity had taken place, though she said she did not recall the events.
She further alleged that in April 2024, after attending a charity event where Swalwell was honored, the two met again and consumed alcohol. She stated that her memory of the evening was fragmented but included recalling telling him “No” while attempting to resist advances.
Swalwell has not publicly addressed the specific allegations detailed by the former staffer. On Sunday, he announced that he was suspending his campaign for governor of California.
The Ethics Committee’s review will focus on whether any actions violated House rules or applicable laws. The outcome of the investigation remains pending, and the committee has not indicated a timeline for its findings.
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