Attorney Vindman says Swalwell should resign over the assault allegations

Two top Democrats on Sunday called on Rep. Eric Swalwell to step down from Congress as the controversy continues to grow after allegations of sexual harassment surfaced against the California gubernatorial candidate.

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

“The allegations are terrible, and his willingness to betray his family is heartbreaking,” Vindman said of Dana Bash. “So Eric Swalwell must resign. He must get out of the race… we must not tolerate this behavior, and Representative Swalwell must go.”

Vindman said this during a panel discussion, as CNN political analysts Davis Urban, Kristen Soltis Anderson and Jamal Simmons discuss how party leadership should respond to these allegations and whether Swalwell should remain in Congress while he is under scrutiny.

Bash pressed Vindman about whether his call went beyond the campaign and into Swalwell’s congressional position.

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“Yes,” Vindman said.

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

“I’ve already asked Congressman Swalwell to drop out of the gubernatorial race, and I think we have to hold everyone accountable,” Jayapal said.

When asked if he would support Swalwell’s expulsion from Congress, Jayapal expressed his support.

“I would like to,” she said.

Back on CNN, Simmons, a former adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris, said Democrats should balance accountability and due process, outlining possible actions before resigning.

“The question is if someone is punished for something they have not been convicted of,” said Simmons.

Attorneys for Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., have threatened the FBI with legal action if the bureau moves forward with releasing decades-old files related to his relationship with an alleged Chinese spy. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images; Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

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“But you can remove him from committees, make sure he doesn’t interfere, and take away any funding he’s been giving. Congress needs to decide that he needs to focus on his family, his reputation and his legal case.”

Republican strategist Kristen Soltis Anderson said that the political climate has changed the way parties react to these allegations.

“In a very short time in our politics, this would have been an instant, job done. He’s gone,” Anderson said. “It is because we are living in these different times that the leadership does not want to lose a vote in a cramped house like this.”

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

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Simmons added that Democrats still need to clearly state their position.

“Democrats need to stand up and tell everyone where they stand on this, that it’s unacceptable,” he said.

CNN political analyst David Urban said a possible House vote, led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, can force Congress to make a public decision.

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Everybody’s going to be on the record whether they support it or not,” Urban said. “Do you condone this kind of behavior? Should this be acceptable behavior? The answer should be no.”

“Congressman Swalwell is facing prosecution. The Manhattan district attorney is investigating him and is asking people to come forward with information. He may face criminal charges,” he said.

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