Shockwaves in Congress: Democrats’ Eric Swalwell and Republicans’ Tony Gonzales Resign Amid Alarming Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Democrat Eric Swalwell of California and Republican Tony Gonzales of Texas announced their resignations from the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday, both facing serious allegations of sexual misconduct and the imminent threat of expulsion proceedings. The announcements, made just hours apart, signal an abrupt end to careers that once appeared sturdy: Swalwell, a prominent figure during the Trump impeachment trials, and Gonzales, who represents a significant portion of the southern border.
Swalwell, who has served California’s 14th congressional district since 2013, cited the recent launch of an investigation by the House Ethics Committee as a key reason for his resignation. His decision followed allegations from a former staffer accusing him of sexual assault, claiming a drunken encounter turned non-consensual. In addition, three other women came forward with accusations of sexual misconduct, including claims of unsolicited explicit photographs and graphic messages.
While Swalwell denied the assault allegation, he admitted to various misjudgments in his past. “Expelling anyone in Congress without due process, within days of an allegation being made, is wrong,” he stated in a post on X. “But it’s also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties.” He expressed remorse toward his family and constituents, announcing he would take responsibility for his actions. Just a week earlier, Swalwell was actively campaigning for California’s gubernatorial primary, dismissing the allegations as a coordinated smear against him. His defense unraveled rapidly as endorsements fell away and allies distanced themselves, with Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona declaring Swalwell unfit for office and calling for his expulsion.
Swalwell has previously faced scrutiny, notably in 2023 when then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy removed him from the House Intelligence Committee due to concerns over his connections with a suspected Chinese intelligence operative. A separate investigation related to that matter concluded without action. A special election to fill Swalwell’s seat is anticipated as early as this summer.
Following Swalwell’s announcement, Gonzales confirmed his retirement from Congress, indicating he would officially step down when the chamber reconvened. “There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all,” he wrote on X. His resignation follows increased scrutiny regarding an affair with a former staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who tragically died by suicide last year. After initially denying the allegations, Gonzales admitted to the affair in March, describing it as “a lapse in judgment” and subsequently withdrew from his re-election campaign under pressure from House Republican leadership.
The House Ethics Committee initiated a formal investigation into Gonzales last month over his conduct, which included inappropriate relationships with staff, strictly prohibited under the House Code of Official Conduct. Text messages shared by Santos-Aviles’ husband revealed Gonzales sought sexually explicit pictures, marking a severe breach of professional conduct.
In the week leading up to their resignations, bipartisan efforts were underway to draft expulsion resolutions targeting both Swalwell and Gonzales. However, their departures rendered that plan unnecessary as both opted for resignation over potential expulsion-an ultimate consequence that underscores the gravity and unprecedented nature of the allegations against them.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/democrat-eric-swalwell-and-republican-tony-gonzales-resign-from-congress-amid-sexual-misconduct-allegations-11776123171161.html
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Publish Date: 2026-04-14 05:25:00
