House Moves Toward Expulsion Votes After Twin Misconduct Scandals
House members Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales face expulsion resolutions after high-profile misconduct claims.
Why it matters: Allegations of sexual misconduct against two sitting members target the foundation of congressional oversight, legal ethics, and workplace safety. Expulsion is rare and signals escalating demands for accountability and governance reforms in Congress.
- Swalwell faces detailed allegations from at least five women, reported publicly on April 10, 2026.
- The House Ethics Committee has launched an official inquiry into Swalwell's conduct with a subordinate.
- Gonzales is accused of sexual misconduct, including an affair with a staff member who died by suicide, as reported April 13.
- Rep. Anna Paulina Luna is seeking floor expulsion votes for both lawmakers; exact dates remain unscheduled.
The U.S. House of Representatives is confronting simultaneous expulsion efforts targeting Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) following separate public allegations of sexual misconduct.
- On April 10, 2026, at least five women—including a former staffer—accused Swalwell of misconduct, according to San Francisco Chronicle and CNN. Allegations include sexual assault, rape, and inappropriate communications.
- Swalwell announced on April 12 he would suspend his campaign for California governor but denied the “serious, false allegations” and said he will challenge them (Washington Post).
- The House Ethics Committee, which conducts internal investigations on breaches of House rules or law, has opened an inquiry focused on Swalwell's alleged relationship with a supervised employee.
- Rep. Tony Gonzales faces allegations reported by the Texas Tribune of sexual misconduct and an affair with a staffer who subsequently died by suicide.
- Rep. Anna Paulina Luna is pressing for expulsion votes against both members (Axios), a move that—under House rules—requires a two-thirds majority to pass and has historically been rare.
Bipartisan condemnation was swift. Rep. Byron Donalds labeled the claims "despicable" and said both should resign, while Rep. Pramila Jayapal emphasized the issue "is not a partisan issue; it’s about the treatment of women."
Congressional expulsion votes are extraordinary, requiring significant evidence and a supermajority. The proceedings will test the House’s commitment to legal and ethical standards in response to workplace allegations with broad governance implications.
As of April 14, expulsion votes have not been scheduled; investigations remain ongoing and are watched closely for further developments.
By the numbers:
- 5 accusers — total women alleging misconduct by Swalwell, per April 10 reports
- 2 — members of Congress currently facing active expulsion efforts for misconduct
- 2/3rds — required supermajority in the House for expulsion vote to succeed
Yes, but: Expulsion votes are historically rare and require substantial bipartisan support, so outcomes remain uncertain until investigations conclude.
What's next: No floor votes on expulsion have been scheduled yet; House Ethics Committee investigations into both members are ongoing.