Two U.S. lawmakers have announced their resignations from Congress following separate allegations of misconduct involving staff members.
Democrat Eric Swalwell, representing 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, denied the allegations, characterizing them as 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. CNN reports that four women have accused Swalwell of misconduct, including a former staffer who alleged rape in 2019 and 2024 while intoxicated. Other accusers claim he groped them and sent explicit messages and nude photos. In 2023, Swalwell was removed from the House Intelligence Committee following reports of contacts with a suspected Chinese intelligence operative.
Republican Tony Gonzalez of Texas announced he will formally submit his resignation when Congress reconvenes. Gonzalez, 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 stated his resignation would take effect the following day to avoid distracting his constituents from legislative duties.
Both resignations highlight 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 suspending his campaign. Gonzalez’s departure follows a pattern of congressional resignations amid misconduct allegations that have reshaped the political landscape in recent years.
