After initially resisting calls to suspend his gubernatorial bid following Friday’s reports of sexual misconduct, the embattled Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) ultimately yielded to mounting pressure from Democratic allies, former endorsers, donors, and pundits, exiting the race Sunday evening.
He must now go further and resign from Congress, as the very concerns that compelled him to end his campaign equally call into question his fitness to serve in public office.
On Sunday, 50 of Eric Swalwell’s former staffers issued a statement urging him to do just that. Notably, each signatory identified themselves and their former roles.
The statement below was written before Swalwell announced he was leaving the governor’s race, so calls for him to do so are included as well. [Emphasis added.]
We, the undersigned former staffers of Congressman Eric Swalwell, write today with heavy hearts and unwavering resolve. The allegations reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN are serious, credible, and demand accountability. We stand unequivocally with our colleague, who showed extraordinary courage in coming forward to share her truth. We believe her.What has been described is not a political attack. It is the account of a young woman who trusted her employer, who was targeted and exploited by someone in a position of power over her, and who has carried this burden for years. The corroboration reported by both outlets, including medical records and multiple witnesses, makes clear that this cannot be dismissed or deflected. No statement, no cease-and-desist letter, and no claim of political motivation changes what our colleague experienced.We call on all relevant law enforcement authorities to open a full and thorough investigation into the allegations against Congressman Swalwell without delay. No one is above the law. Not a congressman. Not a candidate for governor. No one.We further call on Congressman Swalwell to immediately withdraw from the California gubernatorial race and to resign his seat in the United States Congress. The people of California’s 14th Congressional District, and the people of this country, deserve representation from someone whose conduct reflects the values of public service. Remaining in either role while these allegations hang unresolved is an insult to every person who has ever worked for him, reported to him, or placed their trust in him.To our colleague: you are not alone. We see you. We stand with you. We are deeply sorry that we did not know what you were enduring, and we carry the weight of that with us. Your bravery in speaking out has given voice to what many victims have feared to say, and we are grateful for your courage. We are appalled by his actions and stand firmly with you and every victim who has come forward.Justice is not optional. Accountability is not negotiable. We will not be silent.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was among the Democrats calling for Swalwell to suspend his campaign. However, asked at a Sunday rally in Richmond, Virginia, whether he should also resign from Congress, Jeffries was noncommittal, according to CNN. He replied, “We’ll reconvene in Washington early next week and we’ll have more to say.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) has vowed to force a vote to expel him from Congress this week if he does not resign his seat.
CNN reported:
Some Democrats who are willing to expel Swalwell say Republicans will have to also support the expulsion of GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas, who recently admitted to having an affair with a staffer, which runs afoul of US House rules. Gonzales ended his reelection bid but said he would finish his term.
I don’t think too many Republicans would have a problem with that.
Many have argued that Eric Swalwell’s situation is a kind of poetic justice, the consequence of his relentless scrutiny of others confronted with similar allegations. It’s worth recalling that Swalwell was an outspoken critic of Supreme Court Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his 2018 Senate confirmation hearings, calling for immediate investigations and repeatedly stating that his accusers “deserve[d] to be heard.”
Swalwell has been equally outspoken in his public remarks about the Epstein files.
I’ll leave you with a community note on a post from former congresswoman and current California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter, who stands to gain the most from Swalwell’s withdrawal from the race.
Porter wrote: “The allegations against Congressman Swalwell are horrifying. I’m thinking of the courageous women who have come forward to share their stories. We believe you and we stand with you.”
The community note reminds readers:
Katie Porter is an alleged domestic abuser who poured scalding potatoes on her ex husband’s head. She’s also been seen on camera verbally berating staff for minor sleights and has been described as abusive herself. nypost.com/2025/10/10/us-… politico.com/news/2025/10/0…
Did she forget?
Elizabeth writes commentary for Legal Insurrection and The Washington Examiner. She is an academy fellow at The Heritage Foundation. Please follow Elizabeth on X or LinkedIn.
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