House lawmakers from both parties are pushing for expulsion votes targeting Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) following separate sexual misconduct allegations. The moves come as both lawmakers face mounting pressure to resign, with some Democrats and Republicans calling their behavior unacceptable and demanding accountability.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) have publicly stated they would vote to expel both Swalwell and Gonzales if such measures come to the House floor. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) has also called for their immediate resignation, while Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) plans to force a vote on Swalwell’s expulsion as early as midweek. Meanwhile, Democrats are expected to counter with a vote on Gonzales.
Deeper Dive & Context
Allegations Against Swalwell
Swalwell faces multiple allegations, including sexual assault, unwanted advances, and sending unsolicited explicit photos. One former staffer accused him of raping her in a New York hotel in 2024, prompting a Manhattan District Attorney’s criminal investigation. Swalwell denies all claims, calling them politically motivated. Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have urged him to withdraw from his gubernatorial race.
Allegations Against Gonzales
Gonzales admitted to having an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide. He has not resigned but has dropped his reelection bid. The scandal has drawn bipartisan condemnation, with lawmakers arguing that such behavior undermines Congress’s integrity.
Broader Implications
The push for expulsion votes reflects growing bipartisan frustration with ethical lapses in Congress. If successful, the expulsions would be rare—only six have occurred in U.S. history, with most tied to the Civil War. The House Ethics Committee is also investigating Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) for misusing FEMA funds, raising questions about broader accountability measures.
Political Fallout
All 21 Democratic endorsers of Swalwell’s gubernatorial bid have withdrawn support, and state party leaders are pressuring him to exit the race. The scandal has also reignited debates over workplace conduct in Congress, with lawmakers emphasizing the need to protect staffers from abuse of power.