Congress Erupts as Swalwell, Gonzales Resign Hours Before Expulsion Votes
Two U.S. lawmakers from opposite parties announced plans to resign within hours, just as Congress prepared for possible expulsion votes tied to misconduct allegations.
Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas and Rep. Eric Swalwell of California both confirmed Monday they will step down, according to The Washington Post and Texas Public Radio, marking a rare dual exit under ethics pressure.
The resignations follow investigations into alleged sexual misconduct. Swalwell faces accusations from multiple women, including claims of sexual assault, which he denies, according to Axios. Gonzales admitted to a relationship with a staffer, a violation of House rules, as reported by The Guardian.
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Both lawmakers had been targeted for potential expulsion votes, raising questions about whether the resignations were timed to preempt formal removal from office.
“It is wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties,” Swalwell said in a statement, according to Axios.
The dual departures highlight a broader ethics crisis inside Congress, where multiple members are now under investigation, increasing pressure on leadership to enforce standards.
Governors in Texas and California are expected to call special elections to fill the vacancies, with timelines still unclear.
The exits close one chapter but leave the larger ethics battle unresolved.
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