Eric Swalwell Scandal Escalates as Congress Moves Toward Possible Expulsion Vote
Posted on04/13/26 at 21:26
- Eric Swalwell faces serious accusations
- Congress considers expulsion
- Scandal escalates politically
The scandal surrounding Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell is intensifying in Washington as lawmakers prepare for a possible vote that could lead to his expulsion from the House of Representatives.
- Why it matters: The case has evolved from an individual controversy into a broader political dispute that could impact the balance of Congress ahead of the midterm elections.
Accusations against Eric Swalwell and political pressure grow
According to CBS News, Swalwell, a representative from California and candidate for governor, faces multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.
One complaint was filed by a former staffer who accuses him of sexual assault.
Swalwell has denied the allegations in a video posted online.
He has also threatened to take legal action against the woman who accused him.
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The political consequences have been immediate.
The 21 Democratic members of Congress who supported his gubernatorial campaign have withdrawn their backing.
In addition, state party leaders are increasing pressure for him to drop out of the race.
The scandal has expanded its reach within Capitol Hill.
Congress prepares for key votes
Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna announced she will seek to force a vote to expel Swalwell.
The vote could take place midweek.
Lawmakers are returning to Washington after a two-week recess.
Democrats are expected to respond by pushing for a vote against Republican Representative Tony Gonzales.
Gonzales admitted in March to having an extramarital relationship with a staff member who later died by suicide.
Although he withdrew his reelection bid, he has not resigned from his position.
The situation has escalated into a partisan confrontation centered on the expulsion vote against Eric Swalwell.
More lawmakers under scrutiny
The conflict is not limited to Swalwell and Gonzales.
According to lawmakers speaking anonymously, more expulsion votes could be introduced.
Among the names mentioned are Corey Mills and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.
Mills is under investigation for alleged campaign finance violations and misconduct.
Cherfilus-McCormick faces accusations of using federal pandemic relief funds for her campaign.
Both have denied wrongdoing.
Expelling a House member requires a two-thirds majority.
This type of measure is rare in U.S. history.
Only six lawmakers have been expelled, with the most recent case being George Santos in 2023.
Republican Representative Byron Donalds said he would support the expulsion of both Swalwell and Gonzales.
He stated that the allegations undermine the integrity of Congress.
Meanwhile, Democrat Jared Huffman also said he would vote in favor of expelling both lawmakers.
He added that Swalwell should resign from both his candidacy and his seat.
The growing pressure within his own party reflects the seriousness of the political moment.
The situation continues to evolve as Congress moves closer to a possible expulsion vote against Eric Swalwell.