The Manhattan District Attorney's Office and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department opened separate criminal investigations into Eric Swalwell

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Eric Swalwell admitted to the FBI during interviews in 2015 and 2016 that he had physical relations with Christine Fang, ending in March 2015

Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress and dropped out of the California gubernatorial race in April 2026 following public sexual misconduct allegations

At least four to five women, including a former staffer who accused him of rape, have made sexual misconduct or assault allegations against Eric Swalwell

The August 2026 FBI search warrants used to seize Eric Swalwell's phone and laptop were executed under Section 242 of Title 18, a federal statute prohibiting public officials from abusing authority to deprive constitutional rights

Federal agents seized Eric Swalwell's iPhone and MacBook Pro at San Francisco International Airport under search warrants filed on August 13, 2026

Declassified FBI records released by the White House's Government Transparency Task Force detailed Eric Swalwell's past sexual encounters with suspected Chinese intelligence operative Christine 'Fang Fang' Fang

In October 2026 alone, the Cook Political Report shifted its ratings for 47 U.S. House seats, with all changes favoring Democrats

Democratic strategist Joel Payne stated in October 2026 that Republican ad spending in deep-red states like Kansas and Mississippi indicated GOP concern over holding congressional seats

Republican strategist Melik Abdul acknowledged in late October 2026 that the U.S. House of Representatives was out of reach for Republicans, though he expected the party to maintain Senate control

Billionaire Stephen Cloobeck previously ran for California governor before dropping out of the race to make way for Eric Swalwell

Billionaire Stephen Cloobeck contributed over $1 million to Eric Swalwell's campaign, provided a $31,000 trip to France, and allowed Swalwell to stay at his Beverly Hills mansion

The Justice Department launched its criminal investigation into Eric Swalwell in April 2026

If Republicans retain their House majority in the 2026 midterms, a full House floor vote for Speaker of the House will take place on Jan. 3

Federal authorities charged Matthew G. Unglesbee with mailing four letters containing a white granular substance and handwritten notes to Illinois members of Congress

Speaker Mike Johnson floated returning to Louisiana if Republicans lose the U.S. House of Representatives in an interview with Fox News, though his spokesperson pushed back on speculation that he would leave Congress

GOP lawmakers and aides noted that a push to support a leader other than Speaker Mike Johnson could emerge if Republicans suffer major midterm losses

Speaker Mike Johnson stated to CBS News that he intends to remain leader of the House Republican conference even if Republicans lose the House majority in the 2026 midterms

The House Republican leadership elections on November 10, 2026, will cover positions including party leader, whip, conference chair, and other junior posts

House Republicans scheduled a noon November 6, 2026 candidate declaration deadline, candidate forum, and November 10, 2026 leadership voting, one week after Election Day, to select party leaders for the upcoming Congress

GOP lawmakers, aides, and staffers identified House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan as alternative House minority leader contenders to Speaker Mike Johnson if Republicans lose their 2026 midterm majority