Tony Gonzales Resigns After Admitting Affair as Expulsion Vote Loomed
Two members of Congress from opposite parties are stepping down within hours of each other, raising new questions about a widening ethics crisis on Capitol Hill.
Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas and Rep. Eric Swalwell of California both announced plans to resign Monday, as pressure mounted from bipartisan calls for expulsion tied to sexual misconduct allegations. According to The Washington Post and Axios, both lawmakers were facing House Ethics Committee investigations and possible removal votes.
Swalwell is accused by multiple women of sexual misconduct, including assault, which he denies while acknowledging “mistakes,” according to Axios. Gonzales admitted to an affair with a staffer, a violation of House rules, as reported by The Guardian and Texas Public Radio.
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The timing is drawing scrutiny because both exits came just before expected expulsion proceedings, effectively ending those processes.
According to Reuters, the departures are not expected to shift the balance of power in the House, but they add to a growing list of ethics cases involving sitting lawmakers.
Special elections will now determine who fills both seats.
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