The House Committee on Ethics is launching an investigation into Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) after four women came forward, accusing the California democrat of sexual misconduct and sexual assault.
Committee Chairman Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS) and ranking member Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) released a joint statement on Monday announcing the committee would be investigating Swalwell “with respect to allegations that he may have engaged in sexual misconduct, including towards an employee working under his supervision.”
“The Committee notes that the mere fact that it is investigating these allegations, and publicly disclosing its review, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred,” the statement reads.
The investigation announcement comes one day after Swalwell dropped his bid to be the next governor of California. Swalwell has denied all of the allegations.
“To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s,” Swalwell said on Sunday.
Swalwell is expected to an face effort to expel him from the House this week as Congress returns to Washington from a two-week Easter break.
Expulsion is an uphill battle in the House. It requires two-thirds support within the chamber to remove a sitting member. Expulsion has only been carried out six times. These efforts typically begin with an ethics investigation, which could lead to expulsion once the committee releases its findings.
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), a former Swalwell ally, called for the accusations to be investigated.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.