Washington, D.C. – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) released the following statement upon the resignations of Representatives Eric Swalwell (CA-14) and Tony Gonzales (TX-23) from Congress.
“The departures of Mr. Swalwell and Mr. Gonzales from Congress represent steps in a more constructive direction. While they have a right to due process and their individual day in court, it is both a privilege and a sacred responsibility to the public, not a right, to serve in the House of Representatives. Their alleged behavior is an attack on the integrity of the Congress and made them unfit to serve the American public in Congress. Their constituents deserve better. I am horrified, particularly as a member of the Bay Area delegation, to have learned of Mr. Swalwell’s alleged behavior last week and remain committed to ensuring justice for all victims.”
Eric Swalwell to Resign from Congress
On Monday, Eric Swalwell announced he will resign from Congress, a day after terminating his campaign for governor of California.
In his statement:
“I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgement I’ve made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.
I am aware of efforts to bring an immediate expulsion vote against me and other members. Expelling anyone in Congress without due process, within days of an allegation being made, is wrong. But it’s also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress.
I will work with my staff in the coming days to ensure they are able, in my absence, to serve the needs of the good people of the 14th congressional district.”
Eric Swalwell Suspends Campaign for Governor
On Sunday, Eric Swalwell announced he was suspending his campaign for Governor and said he will continue to fight the serious and false allegations.
He took to social media with the following statement:
I am suspending my campaign for Governor. 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.
Stories:
- Newsweek: Records Show Eric Swalwell Campaign Spent Funds on Hotel Seen in Video
- NPR: How Eric Swalwell’s fall was brought on by a network of women who organized online
- SF Chronicle: Ex-staffer says Eric Swalwell, candidate for California governor, sexually assaulted her
- CNN: Exclusive: Four women describe sexual misconduct by Rep. Eric Swalwell, including a former staffer who says he raped her
- Politico: Swalwell campaign imploding after new sexual assault allegation
