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Dual resignations follow allegations
Republican Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas and Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell of California resigned from the US House of Representatives on Tuesday, ending ethics investigations into sexual misconduct allegations against both men.
Gonzales admits affair with staffer who later died
Gonzales, a married father of six, confirmed last month that he had engaged in an affair with Regina Santos-Aviles, a married congressional staffer. Santos-Aviles died by self-immolation near her home in Uvalde, Texas, in September 2025. The medical examiner ruled her death a suicide, according to CBS News, a US partner of the BBC.
Initially, Gonzales dismissed the allegations as "blackmail" and a "coordinated" effort to remove him from office. He had previously announced he would not seek re-election in November but faced growing pressure to resign immediately as new details emerged and a congressional ethics investigation loomed.
Swalwell denies allegations but steps down
Swalwell, who had been running for governor of California, withdrew from the race on Sunday and resigned from Congress on Monday. He denied all allegations of sexual harassment and assault involving a former staffer, calling them "false, fabricated, and deeply offensive" and describing them as a "calculated and transparent political hit job."
In his resignation letter submitted on Tuesday, Swalwell stated, "I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgement I've made in my past."
"These accusations are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive-a calculated and transparent political hit job."
Sara Azari, Swalwell's attorney
Congress acts swiftly after recess
Lawmakers returned from a two-week break on Monday and promptly launched an ethics inquiry into the allegations against Swalwell. Discussions about potential expulsion for both Swalwell and Gonzales had already begun amid mounting criticism.
By resigning before being expelled, both lawmakers retain their pension benefits. Gonzales submitted a brief resignation letter on Tuesday, stating, "It has been my privilege to serve the residents of Texas's 23rd congressional district."
Resignations do not alter House majority
The departures of one Republican and one Democrat leave the balance of power in the House unchanged. Republicans continue to hold a controlling majority in the chamber.
