He was one of the most prominent figures in the California Democratic Party. Eric Swalwell, 43, a U.S. congressman from California, announced his immediate resignation on Monday, April 13. The reason: a barrage of accusations of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior from at least four women, including a former staffer who explicitly accuses him of rape.

The final straw: the rape accusation

Everything came to a head on Friday, April 10, when the San Francisco Chronicle published the damning testimony of a former staff member. She claims that Swalwell raped her twice after an evening they spent together. The details she made public are precise and specific.

Following the publication of this article, other women bravely came forward. In total, **four women** have now filed accusations against the elected official. Some allege inappropriate messages. Others describe harassing behavior in the workplace. One of the cases is even under investigation by the New York District Attorney.

The rapid downfall of a rising political career

The speed of this collapse is remarkable. As recently as Friday, Eric Swalwell was running for governor of California, with clear national ambitions. On Sunday, April 13, he had to suspend his campaign. And on Monday, April 14, less than 24 hours later, he announced his resignation from Congress.

The pressure came from all sides. His own Democratic colleagues began to distance themselves. Adam Gray, another California representative, publicly withdrew his support. But above all, it was the party establishment that made it clear to Swalwell that time was running out. Nancy Pelosi herself, a leading figure among Democrats, reportedly exerted pressure behind the scenes. The Biden administration was also quick to distance itself.

The House Ethics Committee had opened a formal investigation into sexual misconduct. Observers had no doubt that Swalwell would be expelled if he didn't leave of his own accord. He chose the exit before being forced out.

His defense: "They never happened."

In a statement released Monday on X (formerly Twitter), Eric Swalwell attempted to defend his reputation while announcing his departure. He offered "his apologies to his family, staff, and constituents" for what he called "errors in judgment." But on the substance of the accusations, he remains adamant:

“They never happened, and I will fight these accusations with everything I have,” he wrote. He denounced what he called “a rush to judgment” in Washington and criticized the fact that some of his colleagues were willing to expel elected officials without waiting for the outcome of due process.

The consequences will go far

This resignation has triggered a political earthquake in California. Governor Gavin Newsom will now have to call a special election to fill the seat vacated by Swalwell in the eastern San Francisco Bay Area (district CA-14). The timing of this election is yet to be determined, but it will likely take place in the coming months.

Meanwhile, the California gubernatorial campaign, in which Swalwell was a leading candidate, has been thrown into disarray. His name will remain on the June 2 primary ballots because the withdrawal deadline missed. This absurd situation could create considerable confusion among voters.

Her departure directly benefits the other Democratic candidates: Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, and Matt Mahan see a considerable electoral space open up. None of them currently appears to be in a dominant position.

This may not be over yet.

Despite his resignation, Eric Swalwell insists he will continue to fight what he calls "false accusations." One of the plaintiffs has already announced a press conference in Los Angeles scheduled for Tuesday, April 14. Swalwell's lawyers have vowed to contest every claim in court.

This scandal could well continue to make headlines for several months. Between the judicial investigations, the Ethics Committee's inquiry which is expected to continue its work despite the resignation, and the war of words between the two sides, this affair has all the hallmarks of a long legal and media saga.