The House Ethics Committee launched an investigation Monday into sexual misconduct allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., examining whether the congressman violated official conduct standards or applicable laws.
The committee said it would determine if Swalwell "engaged in sexual misconduct, including towards an employee working under his supervision" during his service in Congress.
A former Swalwell staffer came forward last week in the San Francisco Chronicle and in a CNN interview, alleging multiple sexual encounters with the congressman while employed in his office. She accused him of sexually assaulting her on two occasions, claiming she was too intoxicated to give consent. Additional women have made similar allegations to CNN.
Swalwell denied the claims in a video posted Friday, calling the sexual assault accusations "flat false." He said the alleged encounters "did not happen, they have never happened."
The congressman acknowledged making "mistakes in judgment" in past but pledged to "fight the serious, false allegations that have been made."
The investigation intensified pressure on Swalwell to step aside. He withdrew from California's gubernatorial race Sunday, citing the need to focus on defending himself. However, several lawmakers, including fellow Democrats, have called for his resignation from Congress or warned of expulsion proceedings if he does not leave voluntarily.
The Manhattan district attorney's office has separately opened an investigation into one of the allegations, signaling potential criminal exposure beyond the House Ethics probe.
Swalwell's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment when the committee announced its inquiry.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "This investigation marks a critical test of whether the House will hold one of its own accountable or let party loyalty shield him from consequences."
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