House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries was criticized Friday for calling on Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) to end his campaign for governor of California — but not to resign from Congress amid shocking allegations of sexual misconduct.
“In the wake of the incredibly disturbing sexual assault allegations against Congressman Eric Swalwell, we call for a swift investigation into these incidents and for the Congressman to immediately end his campaign to become the next governor of California,” the statement read. statement Issued by Jefferies and House Democratic leadership.
“This is unacceptable from anyone — certainly not an elected official — and must be taken seriously,” the statement continued, stopping short of calling for Swalwell to step down.
Former congressional staffer Swalwell accusedwho was the Democratic front-runner in the Golden State gubernatorial race, sexually assaulted her on two occasions when she was too intoxicated to consent.
CNN also reported this Several other women have alleged sexual misconduct Ranging from unwanted touching to unwanted nude photos by Swalwell.
Jefferies’ statement was met with outrage on social media.
“What an unprincipled and meaningless statement,” former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer said. Written on X. “If they think Swalwell made a mistake, they should demand that he resign.”
“If the Democrats say… [Swalwell] He’s too toxic to run for office, so how could he not be too toxic to currently hold office? Mike Davis, founder of the judicial advocacy group Article III Project, question.
In a mail Addressing Jefferies, conservative broadcaster Graham Allen angrily said: “You’re a coward.”
“Make him quit…” Allen demanded.
Brett Tolman, a former US attorney and president of the non-profit group Right on Crime, called the Democratic leader’s statement “quite comical.”
“Get out of the gubernatorial race but you can stay in Congress #SortaMeToo,” Tolman said Sarcastically.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) called on Swalwell to resign and said Democrats should do the same.
“I wonder what parallel universe we live in where elected members of Congress begin to do this [choose] Politics and party BS on basic human dignity,” Luna Written on X. “I have called on Republican members to do the same when they are caught doing corrupt and morally bankrupt actions.
“Democrat leadership must do the same.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) announced that she will introduce a landmark resolution on the House floor alongside censuring Swalwell.
“This behavior is disgusting and unbecoming of a Member of Congress.” Boebert raged. “It’s time to answer for your actions, you disgusting pervert.”
Swalwell, a married father of three, denied the allegations.
“These allegations are false and come on the eve of the election against the front-runner for governor,” he said in a statement to CNN.
“For nearly 20 years, I have served the public — as a prosecutor and a member of Congress, and I have always protected women,” the congressman added. “I will defend myself with the facts and take legal action when necessary.”
He added: “My focus in the coming days is to be with my wife and children and defend our contracts of service against these lies.”
He also issued a video statement denying the allegations on Friday evening, while also apologizing to his wife, Brittany Watts, saying he had made “errors of judgment in the past.”
He added: “But those mistakes were between me and my wife, and I sincerely apologize to her for putting her in this situation.”