Reps. Swalwell and Gonzales to Resign From Congress Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations

On Monday, Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Congressman Tony Gonzales (R-TX) resigned from Congress over sexual misconduct allegations. 

The Details: Swalwell resigned amid allegations of sexual misconduct and rape and had dropped out of the race for California governor on Monday. Gonzales resigned after previously admitting to an affair with a congressional staffer who later died by suicide. Both members were facing a potential expulsion vote proposed by Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) and Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM). House leadership had not yet brought the matter to a vote, though the vote might have occurred as early as Wednesday. It takes a two-thirds majority to remove a member from Congress. 

Key Quotes: Swalwell said, "I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me," he said in a statement. "However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make." Gonzales said, "There is a season for everything, and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office."

For Context: Both Swalwell and Gonzales were under investigation by the House Ethics Committee, though the committee is expected to formally suspend the investigations when the congressmen officially retire. Swalwell had been in the House for 13 years, and Gonzales, who was not running for reelection, had served since 2021. It is not clear exactly when either retirement will take effect.

How The Media Covered It: The Washington Times (Lean Right bias) noted that both congressmen quit office after mounting bipartisan criticism. The New York Times (Lean Left) noted that Swalwell continues to deny allegations of any wrongdoing.

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