Rep. Anna Paulina Luna announced she’s moving to expel Rep. Eric Swalwell from Congress after several former staffers came forward with disturbing accusations of sexual misconduct and assault. The situation has become both a legal and political flashpoint, with investigations underway and heated debate about whether a House member running for governor can stay in office while facing these claims.
On Saturday, Luna made her intention public and left no doubt where she stands. “I am filing a motion to expel Eric Swalwell from Congress,” she wrote in a tweet Saturday morning, signaling a formal push for accountability in the chamber.
At least four former female staffers have accused Swalwell of inappropriate behavior, and one former staffer alleges multiple incidents of sexual assault. Those allegations raise serious questions about conduct and oversight inside congressional offices, and they demand a thorough look from law enforcement and House officials. Republicans argue that members must be held to higher standards and that the institution itself is at stake.
One former staffer told a local outlet that when she was 17 and Swalwell was 38, he began messaging her on Snapchat, a platform where messages disappear. The woman said Swalwell sent inappropriate pictures and asked for naked photos of her body, behavior that, if true, crosses clear ethical and legal lines. She also claimed that in 2024 she woke up alone in Swalwell’s hotel room after a night she did not remember with “vaginal bleeding,” a detail that has intensified calls for investigation.
Swalwell, who is married with children, has rejected the assault allegations and framed them as politically motivated. He has called the claims “false and outrageous.” His lawyer also reportedly sent a cease and desist letter to the woman who went public with the allegations.
Many Democratic leaders have urged Swalwell to drop his bid for governor, but few have demanded he leave Congress immediately. Luna pointed out that disconnect during a television appearance, arguing that running for statewide office while facing these accusations is incompatible with remaining a sitting representative. “It is unacceptable for him to just index his, campaign for governor in California but still sit in the House of Representatives,” she told McEnany, underscoring a GOP narrative about standards and accountability.
On social media, Luna pushed the same theme in blunt terms, calling out what she sees as partisan double standards. “So the Dems don’t want Swalwell to be governor of California, but he can stay a member of Congress? Are we running a halfway house for sexual predators in Congress now? No. He should not be allowed to stay in Congress.” Her post reflects growing Republican frustration that party leaders have not demanded the decisive step of removal from office.
Outside the political theater, law enforcement has stepped in to examine claims with the seriousness they deserve. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said it was investigating allegations against Swalwell and provided a direct line for people to come forward. “We urge survivors and anyone with knowledge of these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373,” an office spokesperson said. “Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner.”
Luna’s move to file a motion to expel is a calculated political and procedural step that would force a House vote. To remove a member through expulsion requires a two-thirds majority in the chamber, a high bar that makes the effort as much about principle as it is about numbers. This is the kind of test Republicans say will show whether Congress will act to restore public trust when serious accusations surface.
The unfolding matter will play out across courtrooms, committee rooms and campaign trails, and voters in California will get to weigh the political fallout. Republicans are framing this as a moment to reclaim moral high ground and demand swift, visible action, while also stressing that investigations and due process must proceed without partisan interference.
Darnell Thompkins is a conservative opinion writer from Atlanta, GA, known for his insightful commentary on politics, culture, and community issues. With a passion for championing traditional values and personal responsibility, Darnell brings a thoughtful Southern perspective to the national conversation. His writing aims to inspire meaningful dialogue and advocate for policies that strengthen families and empower individuals.