Rep. Swalwell's constituents share 'disappointment' in allegations, resignation plans
CASTRO VALLEY, Calif. (KGO) -- At Eric Swalwell's Castro Valley office, the lights were off and no one was working, but people in his district still had plenty to say about their representative after he announced he would resign.
"I'm highly disappointed," Hayward resident Alicia Orozco said.
"He's a complete dirtbag," Castro Valley resident Donal Schwartz said.
"I've always admired Eric," Hayward resident Michael McCarty said. "I'm really disappointed."
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"I was considering voting for him, but now I just really disappointed," Fremont resident Anne Prince said.
There was anger, shock and plenty of disappointment felt across political lines throughout Congressman Eric Swalwell's district.
He represents much of the East Bay, including Hayward, Fremont, Livermore and Castro Valley - where his district office is located.
Many we spoke with were grateful for the work he did in office.
RELATED: Rep. Eric Swalwell suspends campaign for CA governor amid sexual assault allegations
"He wasn't afraid to stand up to the person in the White House and I really respected him for that," Prince said. "And I respected him for what he did. He did town halls. And I read this and I went, 'oh my God'."
Among the allegations against the congressman, is a sexual assault in the city of Dublin.
The Alameda County District Attorney's Office says they are looking into "deeply concerning and disturbing claims."
They told ABC7 Eyewitness News in a statement: "We will review and assess all available information to determine what further action can be taken."
Some in the community believe he should be held accountable.
RELATED: Rep. Eric Swalwell's staff 'horrified,' issues statement following sexual assault allegations
"They keep telling us everybody needs to be investigated, and you got to believe all the girls, and no one's above the law," Castro Valley resident Scott Rodrigues said.
Before he announced he would resign from Congress, Swalwell suspended his campaign for Governor of California.
As he says he will continue to fight false allegations, people in his former district are just hoping for what's best for the community and everyone involved.
"I feel bad for his wife, his family, his children," Prince said. "I feel bad for him in a way. I would like to hear from the victims, and I would like to know the truth, to make sure it really is the truth. Because honestly, I don't know what to believe anymore today. I really don't."
Swalwell said he will work with his staff in the coming days to make sure the needs of this community are met as they go through a time of transition after all these developments.
