Congressmen Swalwell and Gonzales Resign Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell and Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales have submitted their resignations to the House of Representatives, abruptly ending their political careers amid bipartisan furor over allegations of sexual misconduct. The departures came after lawmakers from both parties threatened to introduce resolutions expelling the two men, arguing that the allegations made them ineligible to continue serving.
Swalwell's Resignation and California Governor's Race
Eric Swalwell, a seven-term representative first elected in 2012, resigned at 2pm ET on Tuesday. He was the Democratic frontrunner to replace Gavin Newsom as governor of California until the San Francisco Chronicle reported last week that an unnamed former staffer accused him of sexually assaulting her on two occasions. CNN later published a similar account, as well as allegations from three other women of the congressman sending them unwanted sexual messages.
Swalwell suspended his campaign for governor, and the House ethics committee opened an investigation, even as the congressman vowed to "fight the serious false allegation made against me." On Monday, he announced his resignation from Congress. Following this, Newsom announced that a special election to fill California's now-vacant 14th congressional district seat would take place on 18 August.
Gonzales's Resignation and Pressure Mounts
Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican first elected in 2020, resigned less than an hour after Swalwell's announcement. He had for weeks weathered calls to resign after admitting to an affair with an aide who later died by suicide. Though he announced he would not run for re-election, pressure for him to leave immediately mounted in the wake of the revelations against Swalwell, as long-simmering concerns of inappropriate behavior by members of Congress flared anew.
Republican Nancy Mace, a sexual assault survivor, wrote on social media, "Congress has a predator problem." Democratic US Representative Nydia Velázquez added, "Congress should not tolerate representatives who abuse staff, betray public trust for personal gain, and generally violate their oath of office."
Legal and Ethical Fallout
At a press conference in Beverly Hills on Tuesday, the lawyer for a woman who accused Swalwell of drugging and raping her in a West Hollywood hotel said the California lawmaker's resignation fell short of accountability. Lisa Bloom stated she believed Swalwell resigned only to "avoid the expulsion hearing that was coming." She added, "Once he steps down, the ethics committee no longer has jurisdiction to impose consequences on him. I think the American public is sick and tired of these stories and I'm sick and tired of women being victimized by men in power ... Enough is enough."
The accuser, Lonna Drewes, said she planned to file a police report through her lawyers with the Los Angeles county sheriff's office. In response, Sara Azari, an attorney for Swalwell, said in a statement: "Congressman Eric Swalwell categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled against him. These accusations are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive – a calculated and transparent political hit job designed to destroy the reputation of a man who has spent 20 years in public service."
Broader Congressional Context
In addition to Swalwell and Gonzales, House lawmakers have discussed voting to expel Cory Mills, a Florida Republican accused of misconduct and ethical lapses, and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida, a Democratic representative indicted on charges of funneling millions of dollars in federal money from her company to her campaign. Both are under investigation by the ethics committee.
Expulsion votes are rare. Only six House members have ever been expelled, the most recent of whom was George Santos, whose lies about his qualifications for office prompted lawmakers to remove him in 2023. He later pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges, before Donald Trump commuted his prison sentence last year.
