In a dramatic political exit, Representatives Eric Swalwell of California and Tony Gonzales of Texas formally resigned from the House of Representatives on Tuesday, ending their congressional careers amid escalating sexual misconduct scandals. The resignations, read by the House clerk during the afternoon session, preempted what appeared to be imminent expulsion votes against both lawmakers.
Swalwell, a Democrat, resigned effective 2 p.m. Tuesday, while Gonzales, a Republican, stepped down effective just before midnight. Their departures follow days of mounting pressure from colleagues in both parties who threatened to force expulsion proceedings if the members did not leave voluntarily. The swift unraveling of both political careers underscores the intense, immediate scrutiny facing lawmakers accused of ethical breaches in the current Congress.
Allegations and Political Pressure
The crisis for Swalwell erupted late last week when multiple news outlets, including The San Francisco Chronicle, published accounts from several women accusing him of sexual assault and misconduct. By Tuesday, a fifth woman had come forward at a press conference, alleging Swalwell drugged and raped her in 2018. Swalwell had already suspended his campaign for California governor on Sunday, denying the most serious allegations but acknowledging "mistakes in judgement." In his resignation letter, he stated that while fighting expulsion without due process was wrong, it was "also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties."
For Gonzales, the resignation caps a scandal that began last month when he admitted to an affair with a congressional staffer who later died by suicide. That admission led him to end his reelection bid under pressure from GOP leadership. The renewed focus on his conduct this week, triggered by the Swalwell allegations, proved insurmountable.
Averting Expulsion Votes
The resignations came just hours after a critical deadline passed. Representatives Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) and Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) had warned they would file resolutions to expel both men if they did not resign by 2 p.m. Tuesday when the House opened for business. When no resignation notices were initially read, Fernández filed a resolution against Gonzales. However, when the House returned to session at 3 p.m., the clerk announced both resignations, effectively halting the expulsion process. Luna had previously claimed the House had the votes to expel both members, signaling the political isolation they faced.
The fallout from Swalwell's resignation continues to ripple through California politics, where his withdrawal has reshaped the state's open gubernatorial contest. Meanwhile, Swalwell's accusers have claimed vindication following his congressional resignation.
Shifting House Math and Lingering Scandals
The dual resignations immediately alter the balance of power in the narrowly divided House. With the swearing-in of Republican Clay Fuller to fill another vacancy, the GOP now holds a 218-213 majority, counting one independent who caucuses with Republicans. That margin is expected to tighten further later this month when a Democrat is favored to win a special election in New Jersey.
Attention now turns to other lawmakers facing ethical questions, specifically Representatives Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) and Cory Mills (R-Fla.), as the House grapples with a series of misconduct scandals. The episode has also prompted reactions from leadership, with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi denying prior knowledge of the allegations against Swalwell.
The departures of Swalwell and Gonzales mark a rare moment of bipartisan consequence in a polarized chamber, demonstrating that allegations of sexual misconduct can still trigger swift, career-ending political repercussions for members of both parties.
