Two members of the United States Congress have stepped down following allegations of sexual misconduct, amid growing political pressure from both parties.
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Eric Swalwell, a Democratic lawmaker, faced allegations of sexual misconduct from four women. Following the claims, he ended his campaign for the California gubernatorial race and came under increasing scrutiny from his party.
Separately, Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales also faced internal pressure within his party, with reports suggesting that both Democratic and Republican leadership were prepared to initiate proceedings that could have led to his removal from Congress had he not resigned.
Party officials reportedly urged both lawmakers to step down in order to avoid formal congressional motions that could have resulted in forced expulsions. The situation has drawn significant attention in US political circles, highlighting ongoing concerns around accountability and conduct in public office.
Two members of Congress—Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California and Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas—said they planned to exit Congress in the wake of sexual-misconduct allegations that sparked calls for them to quit or face expulsion votes. 🔗 https://t.co/2peemBJtam pic.twitter.com/pnDjAy3NG8
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) April 14, 2026
The resignations come at a time of heightened sensitivity in Washington regarding ethical standards and workplace behaviour among elected officials. Lawmakers from both parties have increasingly faced scrutiny over allegations of misconduct, leading to calls for stricter internal oversight mechanisms.
Political analysts note that such resignations, while rare, reflect the growing influence of public opinion and intra-party accountability in shaping political careers in the United States.
Both resignations are expected to trigger further discussions within Congress regarding ethics reforms and the processes used to investigate allegations against sitting members.
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The developments underscore the continuing challenges faced by political institutions in addressing misconduct allegations while maintaining public trust.