Two U.S. lawmakers have announced their resignations from Congress following separate allegations of misconduct involving staff members. Democrat Eric Swalwell, who represents California’s 14th district, has suspended his gubernatorial campaign and will leave Congress after multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct. Swalwell, first elected in 2013, has denied the allegations, claiming they are politically motivated attempts to derail his campaign. In a statement posted on social media, he expressed regret for past “mistakes in judgment” while criticizing calls for his expulsion.
According to CNN, four women have accused Swalwell of misconduct, including a former staffer who alleged that he raped her in 2019 and 2024 while she was intoxicated. Other accusers have claimed that he groped them and sent explicit messages and nude photos. In 2023, Swalwell was removed from the House Intelligence Committee following reports of his contacts with a suspected Chinese intelligence operative.
Republican Tony Gonzalez of Texas has also announced his intention to resign, stating that he will formally submit his resignation when Congress reconvenes. Gonzalez, who was first elected in 2021, suspended his re-election campaign last month after revelations of an affair with an aide who died by suicide in 2025. He admitted to the relationship, describing it as “a lapse in judgment.” Gonzalez indicated that his resignation would take effect the following day to avoid distracting his constituents from legislative duties.
Both resignations underscore the ongoing scrutiny of congressional conduct and the impact of personal misconduct allegations on political careers. Swalwell had been considered a top contender in California’s gubernatorial race before he suspended his campaign. Meanwhile, Gonzalez’s departure reflects a broader pattern of congressional resignations amid misconduct allegations that have reshaped the political landscape in recent years.
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