Two House Members Resign Amid Escalating Ethics Scandals

Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales plan to resign over sexual misconduct allegations.

Congress's worsening ethics crisis resulted in two voluntary resignations on April 13, 2026. Seven-term Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) stepped down following multiple allegations from four women, including sexual harassment, assault, and rape. The House Ethics Committee had initiated an inquiry into charges that included alleged misconduct toward an employee under his supervision.

“Expelling anyone in Congress without due process, within days of an allegation being made, is wrong. But it's also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties,” Swalwell stated. He had suspended his campaign for California governor a day earlier.

On the same day, Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), a three-term legislator, announced plans to resign after admitting to an affair with a former staffer who later died by suicide. A House Ethics Committee investigation into his conduct was already underway. Gonzales said, “There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas.”

• Bipartisan calls for resignation or expulsion emerged for both men, with leaders such as Mike Lawler declaring, “Congress must hold itself to the highest ethical standard regardless of party,” while Nancy Mace called for Congress to “clean House.”
• The Committee is also investigating Reps. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) and Cory Mills (R-Fla.) over separate misconduct claims.
• Expelling a member of Congress requires a rare two-thirds majority vote. Only six expulsions have occurred in the House’s 237-year history; the last was George Santos in 2023.
• Swalwell’s departure will trigger a special election in his solidly Democratic district.

Yes, but: The precise timing for special elections and outcomes of ongoing ethics investigations remain unclear.