Two US House Representatives Resign, Two Under Disciplinary Investigation, Sparking Rare Calls for Expulsion
Two U.S. federal representatives, Eric Swalwell (Democrat), involved in a Chinese spy scandal, and Tony Gonzales (Republican), facing an affair scandal, have announced their resignations. Additionally, two other representatives are under disciplinary investigation, leading to rare calls for expulsion within the House. Expulsion requires a two-thirds vote, a high threshold that has only been met six times in the House's 237-year history.
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- 📰 Published: April 14, 2026 at 20:17
- 🔍 Collected: April 14, 2026 at 20:31 (14 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 14, 2026 at 21:59 (1h 27m after Collected)
Washington, April 13 (CNA) U.S. Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell, who was embroiled in a Chinese female spy controversy and was originally set to run for California governor, announced his resignation today under pressure from sexual assault allegations. Republican Representative Tony Gonzales, also caught in a scandal involving a former female staffer, also announced his stepping down.
Agence France-Presse reported that in addition to Swalwell and Gonzales, two other U.S. federal representatives are facing potential expulsion due to a series of scandals. These incidents have deeply unsettled both Democrats and Republicans and have thrown the House into disarray.
The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN reported in detail over the weekend on four women's allegations of sexual assault or misconduct against Swalwell, including a former staffer who said she was sexually assaulted twice when too intoxicated to consent. This dramatically worsened Swalwell's predicament.
Although Swalwell has suspended his gubernatorial campaign activities, it has not helped quell discussions on Capitol Hill, and calls for his resignation have crossed party lines. Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna was scheduled to introduce a resolution to expel him tomorrow.
Swalwell has apologized for what he called "errors in judgment." He announced his resignation today on social media platform X, writing: "I will fight the serious and false accusations made against me. However, I must also take responsibility for the mistakes I did make."
U.S. news website Axios reported in December 2020 that Swalwell was one of the most important targets allegedly sought by Chinese female intelligence operative Fang Fang (Christine Fang), who participated in Swalwell's re-election fundraising activities in 2014.
Following Swalwell, Texas Representative Tony Gonzales, who also announced his resignation from Congress today on X, had previously admitted to an extramarital affair with a former staffer who later committed suicide, putting him under increasing pressure. House Republican Speaker Mike Johnson and other party leaders had previously advised him not to seek re-election.
Republican Representative Byron Donalds, representing Florida, told NBC that Swalwell and Gonzales "should both go home," and that the accusations against them are "disgraceful and diminish the integrity of Congress."
On the other hand, Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Republican Representative Cory Mills, both representing Florida, are also under investigation by other members for different controversies.
Cherfilus-McCormick faces a sanction hearing because a panel of the House Ethics Committee found her involved in 25 violations related to campaign finance and related conduct. It has also been confirmed that she will face a federal criminal trial next year.
As for Mills, he is under investigation for multiple allegations including sexual misconduct, domestic violence, and violations of campaign finance and gift rules.
Facing various controversial incidents, rare calls for disciplinary action have emerged within the House. Democratic Representative Nydia Velazquez, representing New York City, posted on X: "Congress should not tolerate members who abuse staff, betray public trust for personal gain, and generally violate their sworn duties." She called for these four individuals to resign, "and if they refuse, they should be expelled."
Apart from Swalwell, proposals to expel the other three representatives may be introduced in the House as early as this week and have gained support from members of different ideologies.
However, expelling a member of the U.S. House of Representatives requires a two-thirds vote, a very high threshold, meaning this sanction is only used in the most severe cases. In the House's 237-year history, only six members have been expelled.
Many representatives remain skeptical about whether action can be taken this week. The House currently has a very narrow Republican majority, and any vacant seats would require special elections, with the timeline depending on the governors of the relevant states. (Compiler: Chang Cheng-chien) 1150414
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Agence France-Presse reported that in addition to Swalwell and Gonzales, two other U.S. federal representatives are facing potential expulsion due to a series of scandals. These incidents have deeply unsettled both Democrats and Republicans and have thrown the House into disarray.
The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN reported in detail over the weekend on four women's allegations of sexual assault or misconduct against Swalwell, including a former staffer who said she was sexually assaulted twice when too intoxicated to consent. This dramatically worsened Swalwell's predicament.
Although Swalwell has suspended his gubernatorial campaign activities, it has not helped quell discussions on Capitol Hill, and calls for his resignation have crossed party lines. Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna was scheduled to introduce a resolution to expel him tomorrow.
Swalwell has apologized for what he called "errors in judgment." He announced his resignation today on social media platform X, writing: "I will fight the serious and false accusations made against me. However, I must also take responsibility for the mistakes I did make."
U.S. news website Axios reported in December 2020 that Swalwell was one of the most important targets allegedly sought by Chinese female intelligence operative Fang Fang (Christine Fang), who participated in Swalwell's re-election fundraising activities in 2014.
Following Swalwell, Texas Representative Tony Gonzales, who also announced his resignation from Congress today on X, had previously admitted to an extramarital affair with a former staffer who later committed suicide, putting him under increasing pressure. House Republican Speaker Mike Johnson and other party leaders had previously advised him not to seek re-election.
Republican Representative Byron Donalds, representing Florida, told NBC that Swalwell and Gonzales "should both go home," and that the accusations against them are "disgraceful and diminish the integrity of Congress."
On the other hand, Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Republican Representative Cory Mills, both representing Florida, are also under investigation by other members for different controversies.
Cherfilus-McCormick faces a sanction hearing because a panel of the House Ethics Committee found her involved in 25 violations related to campaign finance and related conduct. It has also been confirmed that she will face a federal criminal trial next year.
As for Mills, he is under investigation for multiple allegations including sexual misconduct, domestic violence, and violations of campaign finance and gift rules.
Facing various controversial incidents, rare calls for disciplinary action have emerged within the House. Democratic Representative Nydia Velazquez, representing New York City, posted on X: "Congress should not tolerate members who abuse staff, betray public trust for personal gain, and generally violate their sworn duties." She called for these four individuals to resign, "and if they refuse, they should be expelled."
Apart from Swalwell, proposals to expel the other three representatives may be introduced in the House as early as this week and have gained support from members of different ideologies.
However, expelling a member of the U.S. House of Representatives requires a two-thirds vote, a very high threshold, meaning this sanction is only used in the most severe cases. In the House's 237-year history, only six members have been expelled.
Many representatives remain skeptical about whether action can be taken this week. The House currently has a very narrow Republican majority, and any vacant seats would require special elections, with the timeline depending on the governors of the relevant states. (Compiler: Chang Cheng-chien) 1150414
Cherish life, suicide cannot solve problems, life will always find a way out. If you need counseling or related assistance, please call the Ministry of Health and Welfare hotline "1925," the Lifeline hotline "1995," or the Teacher Chang service hotline "1980."
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you provide is a force to protect press freedom.
Download CNA's "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.
FAQ
Which U.S. federal representatives announced their resignations?
Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell and Republican Representative Tony Gonzales.
What are the requirements for expelling a member from the U.S. House of Representatives?
It requires a two-thirds vote of the House members.