Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales Resign From Congress Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Key Takeaways
- Swalwell and Gonzales resigned from Congress ahead of expulsion votes amid sexual misconduct allegations.
- Gonzales admitted to having an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide.
- Resignations followed mounting pressure and House Ethics investigations into alleged misconduct.
Dual Resignations
Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales resigned from Congress on the same day, each facing sexual misconduct allegations.
“Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales resign from Congress Both were about to face expulsion efforts over sexual misconduct allegations”
Swalwell's resignation was effective at 2 p.m. ET, while Gonzales' would take effect at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Swalwell also suspended his campaign for governor of California amid the allegations, which he denied.
Gonzales dropped his reelection bid earlier this year after admitting to a relationship with a staffer who later died by suicide.
The new party breakdown in the House after the resignations is 217 Republicans and 213 Democrats.
Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom set a June 16 date for a special primary election for the 14th District seat.
Swalwell's Assault Allegations
Swalwell's resignation came just days after CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle reported multiple allegations against him, including that he had raped a former staffer twice.
He denied the allegations.
On Tuesday, another woman named Lonna Drewes came forward and said Swalwell raped her in 2018.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced it was investigating an allegation of sexual assault involving Swalwell.
The Manhattan district attorney’s office had also launched a probe focused on an alleged assault that took place in New York.
Gonzales' Affair and Fallout
Gonzales had admitted to an affair with a staff member who later died by suicide.
“Texas lawmaker resigns after admitting affair with aide who died by suicide Tony Gonzales resigned from the US House of Representatives on Tuesday after admitting to an affair with a staff member who later died by self-immolation”
Text messages obtained by NBC News showed Gonzales had sent sexually explicit messages in May 2024.
He initially dismissed the allegations as blackmail but later confirmed the relationship.
The House Ethics Committee had opened an investigation into Gonzales.
Gonzales' resignation came about an hour after Swalwell’s announcement.
Political and Public Reactions
The National Women’s Defense League called for reforms to ensure accountability.
Rep. Ruben Gallego said he was manipulated and lied to by Swalwell.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said he thought both men made the right decision by resigning.
The Guardian reported that expulsion votes are rare.
The resignations do not change the balance of power in Congress.
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