WASHINGTON — Reps. Eric Swalwell (D‑Calif.) and Tony Gonzales (R‑Texas) announced they will leave Congress as both lawmakers faced mounting pressure and the prospect of expulsion votes following separate misconduct allegations.
The announcements came just as House members prepared to return to Washington, where bipartisan resolutions to remove both lawmakers were expected to be introduced this week.
Swalwell, who has denied multiple sexual misconduct allegations, said he would resign from Congress, ending his bid for reelection and withdrawing from the California governor’s race. Gonzales, who faced an ethics probe over a relationship with a former staffer who later died by suicide, said he would retire and file his departure paperwork when Congress reconvenes.
Mounting Pressure From Both Parties
Calls for both men to step down had intensified in recent days, with lawmakers from both parties signaling they would support expulsion. Rep. Mike Lawler (R‑N.Y.) and Rep. Byron Donalds (R‑Fla.) were among those who publicly backed removing both members, calling the allegations “despicable” and “unacceptable.”
Democrats also joined the push. Rep. Ro Khanna (D‑Calif.) and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D‑Wash.) said the allegations required accountability, with Khanna urging both a House ethics investigation and a law‑enforcement review.
Two separate expulsion measures — one targeting Swalwell and another targeting Gonzales — were expected to be filed this week. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D‑N.M.) said Gonzales “has until 2 p.m.” to clarify the timing of his departure before she proceeds with her resolution.
A Rare Bipartisan Convergence
The simultaneous departures of a Democrat and a Republican are unusual in a sharply divided Congress. While the exits will not immediately shift the House balance of power, they underscore a rare moment of bipartisan agreement on ethics and accountability.
Both lawmakers were among four members facing potential expulsion votes, alongside Reps. Sheila Cherfilus‑McCormick (D‑Fla.) and Cory Mills (R‑Fla.), who are also under ethics investigations.
What Happens Next
Once the resignations are formalized, special elections may be scheduled to fill the vacancies, depending on state law. In the meantime, House leadership is expected to move forward with ethics proceedings for the remaining members under investigation.
The dual announcements mark a dramatic escalation in a widening congressional ethics crisis — and signal that more disciplinary action may follow in the coming weeks.
