Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales Announce Departure from House of Representatives

U.S. Representatives Eric Swalwell of California and Tony Gonzales of Texas announced on April 13, 2026, their intentions to resign from Congress. The announcements follow the launch of probes by the House Ethics Committee and the threat of expulsion votes from members of both political parties.

The two lawmakers, representing the Democratic and Republican parties respectively, faced increasing pressure to step down amid allegations of sexual misconduct. House members had planned to bring expulsion resolutions against both representatives during the week of April 13, 2026.

Resignation of Representative Eric Swalwell

Representative Eric Swalwell, a Democrat from California, announced his plan to resign on the afternoon of April 13, 2026. His decision follows allegations of sexual assault and misconduct brought forward by numerous former staffers.

The House Ethics Committee announced on April 13, 2026, that it was opening a probe into Swalwell. His resignation comes one day after he suspended his campaign for governor in the wake of the sexual assault allegations.

Resignation of Representative Tony Gonzales

Representative Tony Gonzales, a Republican from San Antonio, Texas, announced on the evening of April 13, 2026, that he would resign from the U.S. House. Gonzales has served a five-year congressional career.

The House Ethics Committee launched a probe into Gonzales regarding a romantic relationship with a former staffer who subsequently died by suicide. Gonzales had previously revealed the affair months prior to his resignation announcement.

There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas.

Tony Gonzales

Gonzales stated he would file his retirement from office on April 14, 2026. While he used the term retirement from office, his previous announcement that he would not seek reelection indicated that this statement referred to his resignation.

Expulsion Proceedings and Congressional Response

The resignations were announced as lawmakers from both parties called for the representatives to step down. Members of Congress had planned to vote on expelling both Swalwell and Gonzales during the week of April 13, 2026, with numerous members from both parties indicating they would vote in favor of expulsion.

Representative Teresa Leger Fernández, a Democrat from New Mexico and chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, had announced plans to bring an expulsion resolution against Gonzales. A spokesperson for Leger Fernández stated that the resolution would still be filed at 2 p.m. EST on April 14, 2026, unless Gonzales filed a resignation effective immediately before that time, citing the vague language in his statement.