Swalwell Faces Expulsion Bid Amid Sexual Misconduct Claims

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) has filed a motion to expel Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) from Congress following sexual misconduct allegations from multiple women and former staffers. The move comes as prominent Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Ruben Gallego, have called for Swalwell to drop out of the California gubernatorial race.

According to Fox News, at least four female former staffers have accused Swalwell of sexual impropriety, with one staffer alleging sexual assault on multiple occasions. A former staffer told the San Francisco Chronicle that when she was 17 and Swalwell was 38, he began messaging her on Snapchat, sending inappropriate pictures, and requesting nude photos. She also claimed to have woken up alone in his hotel room with vaginal bleeding after a night she did not remember.

Swalwell has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them 'false and outrageous.' His lawyer sent a cease-and-desist letter to one of the accusers. Despite his denials, Swalwell faces growing pressure from within his own party to withdraw from the gubernatorial race. California Gov. Gavin Newsom described the allegations as 'deeply troubling' and urged they be taken seriously.

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office in New York City has opened an investigation into the allegations against Swalwell, urging survivors and anyone with knowledge of the claims to come forward. Luna criticized Democrats for not calling for Swalwell's removal from Congress while asking him to drop out of the gubernatorial race, stating that it is 'unacceptable' for him to remain in office.

Swalwell has pledged to fight the allegations, releasing a video statement denying the claims and emphasizing their falsity. The controversy comes at a critical time for Swalwell's gubernatorial bid, with mail-in voting beginning on May 4. The fallout from these claims could significantly impact his standing in the race.