Congressman Eric Swalwell said Monday he would resign from Congress, after a day earlier dropping his bid for California governor.
“I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past,” he said, but still insisted he will “fight the serious, false allegation made against me.”
“However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make,” he added.
He said he was aware of expulsion efforts by other members of Congress in light of the sexual allegations made against Swalwell and said doing so without due process is wrong.
However, “it’s also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress.”
He ended his statement by promising to work with staff to make sure constituents are still served.
The resignation caps a swift fall from grace for the former leading candidate in the gubernatorial race.
Here’s the latest on the allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell
On Friday, accusations by four women were published, alleging sexual misconduct, including rape of a former staffer. The Democrat is also facing an investigation by the Manhattan district attorney.
Congressmembers were pushing to expel him in light of the news. Additionally, key allies condemned him and major organizations withdrew their endorsements as well.
