Rep. Vindman says Swalwell should resign over assault allegations

Two high-profile Democrats on Sunday called for Rep. Eric Swalwell to leave Congress as controversy continues to grow following the emergence of sexual assault allegations against the California gubernatorial candidate.

Eugene Vindman said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union” that Swalwell should resign from Congress and withdraw from California’s race for governor.

” the accusations are absolutely disgustingWhile hosting the Dana Bash, Vindman said: “This is why Eric Swalwell needs to resign. He needs to drop out of the race…we should not tolerate this behavior and Rep. Swalwell needs to go.”

Vindman made this statement during an on-air panel discussion; CNN political commentators Davis Urban, Kristen Soltis Anderson and Jamal Simmons discussed how party leadership should respond to the allegations and whether Swalwell should remain in Congress while facing scrutiny.

Bash pressed Vindman on whether his appeal would extend beyond the campaign trail to Swalwell’s congressional seat.

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“Yes,” Vindman said.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., echoed similar concerns Sunday on “Meet the Press,” framing the allegations as part of a broader framework and calling for accountability.

“I called on Congressman Swalwell to drop out of the governor’s race, and I think we need to hold everyone accountable,” Jayapal said.

Jayapal expressed her support when asked if she would support expelling Swalwell from Congress.

“I would,” he said.

Back on CNN, Simmons, a former adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris, said Democrats should consider accountability as well as due process, outlining possible actions other than resignation.

“The question is, should someone be punished for something they haven’t been convicted of?” Simmons said. he said.

Lawyers for Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., have threatened the FBI with legal action if it continues to release decades-old files on his relationship with a suspected Chinese spy. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc; Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images via Getty Images)

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“But you can remove him from committees, make sure he’s not a candidate, and take back any funding you gave him. The congressman must decide whether he needs to focus on his family, his reputation, and his legal case.”

Republican strategist Kristen Soltis Anderson said the political climate has changed how parties respond to such allegations.

“Not too long ago in our politics, that would have meant an abrupt end to your career. You’re gone,” Anderson said. “It is precisely because we live in these narrowly divided times that the leadership does not want to lose votes in such a narrow Parliament.”

Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., who is running for governor in California, faces criticism for receiving donations from individuals and organizations affiliated with the CCP. (Getty Images)

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Simmons added that Democrats still need to make their positions clear.

“Democrats have to be strong and show everyone where they stand on this issue, that this is unacceptable,” he said.

CNN senior political commentator David Urban said a potential House vote led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna could force Congress to take a public stance.

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“Everyone will be on the record, whether you support it or not,” Urban said. “Do you tolerate this type of behavior? Should this be acceptable behavior? The answer should be no.”

“Congressman Swalwell is about to be indicted. The Manhattan district attorney is investigating him and is asking people to come forward with information. He will likely face criminal charges,” he said.

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