Congressmen Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales Resign Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell and Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales resigned from Congress following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Their resignations preempted potential expulsion votes and have triggered special elections in their respective districts.
Latest Developments
Fallout in Congress from Swalwell and Gonzales resignations
Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales have resigned, causing significant fallout in Congress. CBS News congressional reporter Taurean Small is covering Capitol Hill's reaction to these resignations. The departures of these two members will likely shift the balance of power or create vacancies that require special elections to fill. The immediate consequence is the need for Congress to address the void left by their absence and manage the political repercussions.
What Will Happen to Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales’ House Seats?
Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California and Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas officially resigned from the House on Tuesday, adding two more vacancies to the narrowly divided chamber. Swalwell stepped down after multiple sexual misconduct allegations surfaced, while Gonzales resigned after admitting to an affair with a staffer who died by suicide in September. Their departures leave the House with 216 seats held by the President's party and 213 by Democrats, with three other vacancies and one Independent. Governors typically call special elections to fill such vacancies, but California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott are not required by state law to do so before the November election. It is uncertain when or by whom their seats will be filled, as both governors are reviewing the situation.
Details on sexual misconduct allegations against Eric Swalwell
Eric Swalwell has resigned from Congress following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Swalwell had previously denied these allegations, calling them false. CBS News White House correspondent Nancy Cordes interviewed two of the accusers, bringing their stories to light. This marks a significant development for Swalwell, who had served as a prominent figure in the House of Representatives. His resignation creates a vacancy in Congress and shifts the focus to the details of the misconduct claims.
Los Angeles DA says Swalwell under investigation
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed that former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) is under investigation for allegations of sexual misconduct. The Los Angeles DA's office has assigned its Sex Crimes Division to work with law enforcement partners on the case. This development indicates a formal inquiry into the former congressman's conduct. The investigation's progression will determine if charges are filed against Swalwell.
Resignation letters from Rep. Tony Gonzales, Rep. Eric Swalwell read on House floor
Resignation letters from Rep. Tony Gonzales and Rep. Eric Swalwell were formally read on the House floor Tuesday. This procedural step confirms their departure from the U.S. House of Representatives. The reading of these letters signifies the official notification to Congress of their resignations. These actions will create two vacancies in the House, necessitating special elections to fill their seats.
Key Facts
Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA) and Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales (TX) officially resigned from the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
Source: TIME, CBS News
Swalwell's resignation followed multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, with a fifth woman accusing him of sexual assault.
Source: Al Jazeera, The Hill, CBS News
A new accuser, Lonna Drewes, publicly alleged that Swalwell drugged and raped her in 2018 and plans to file a police report.
Source: CNBC, The Guardian US News, CBS News
The resignations preempted anticipated expulsion votes and will trigger special elections in their districts.
Source: CBS News, New York Times
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed Swalwell is under investigation for the sexual misconduct allegations.
Source: The Hill
Recent Highlights
Allegations of sexual assault against Eric Swalwell begin to surface.
Los Angeles DA confirms an investigation into Eric Swalwell.
A new accuser, Lonna Drewes, publicly alleges Eric Swalwell drugged and raped her in 2018.
Resignation letters from both congressmen are formally read on the House floor.
Rep. Eric Swalwell and Rep. Tony Gonzales announce their resignations from Congress.
Full Coverage (41 articles)
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Fallout in Congress from Swalwell and Gonzales resignations
Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales have resigned, causing significant fallout in Congress. CBS News congressional reporter Taurean Small is covering Capitol Hill's reaction to these resignations. The departures of these two members will likely shift the balance of power or create vacancies that require special elections to fill. The immediate consequence is the need for Congress to address the void left by their absence and manage the political repercussions.
What Will Happen to Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales’ House Seats?
Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California and Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas officially resigned from the House on Tuesday, adding two more vacancies to the narrowly divided chamber. Swalwell stepped down after multiple sexual misconduct allegations surfaced, while Gonzales resigned after admitting to an affair with a staffer who died by suicide in September. Their departures leave the House with 216 seats held by the President's party and 213 by Democrats, with three other vacancies and one Independent. Governors typically call special elections to fill such vacancies, but California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott are not required by state law to do so before the November election. It is uncertain when or by whom their seats will be filled, as both governors are reviewing the situation.
Details on sexual misconduct allegations against Eric Swalwell
Eric Swalwell has resigned from Congress following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Swalwell had previously denied these allegations, calling them false. CBS News White House correspondent Nancy Cordes interviewed two of the accusers, bringing their stories to light. This marks a significant development for Swalwell, who had served as a prominent figure in the House of Representatives. His resignation creates a vacancy in Congress and shifts the focus to the details of the misconduct claims.
Los Angeles DA says Swalwell under investigation
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed that former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) is under investigation for allegations of sexual misconduct. The Los Angeles DA's office has assigned its Sex Crimes Division to work with law enforcement partners on the case. This development indicates a formal inquiry into the former congressman's conduct. The investigation's progression will determine if charges are filed against Swalwell.
Resignation letters from Rep. Tony Gonzales, Rep. Eric Swalwell read on House floor
Resignation letters from Rep. Tony Gonzales and Rep. Eric Swalwell were formally read on the House floor Tuesday. This procedural step confirms their departure from the U.S. House of Representatives. The reading of these letters signifies the official notification to Congress of their resignations. These actions will create two vacancies in the House, necessitating special elections to fill their seats.
Fifth woman accuses former US lawmaker Eric Swalwell of sexual misconduct
A fifth woman has accused former US lawmaker Eric Swalwell of sexual misconduct. This new accusation follows multiple prior allegations that led to the Democratic representative resigning his seat in Congress. The ongoing accusations highlight the continued scrutiny faced by public figures regarding personal conduct. His resignation created a vacancy in Congress, necessitating a special election to fill the seat.
Swift Swalwell Fallout Suggests the Democrats Have Finally Learned From Epstein
Former Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., resigned from Congress on Monday, following sexual assault and misconduct allegations published by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN. The allegations included a former staffer claiming Swalwell left her vaginally bruised and bleeding, and another woman alleging he drugged her to rape her. Over a dozen Democrats pulled their endorsements for his California gubernatorial campaign within hours of the initial report, leading him to suspend his campaign Sunday. Democratic strategists Nina Smith and Michael Ceraso noted the swift response was partly due to the severity and detailed corroboration of the allegations. Rep. Summer Lee, D-Pa., emphasized that Democrats must demonstrate accountability for their members, even when allegations are against one of their own.
Swalwell, Gonzales exits trigger GOP, Democratic reckoning
Former Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) have resigned from Congress following sexual misconduct allegations. These resignations are part of a "second #MeToo wave" dominating Capitol Hill, where both lawmakers faced swift threats of expulsion. The departures highlight increasing anger and frustration among a vocal group regarding such allegations. This movement has led to significant consequences for members accused of misconduct.
Congressional resignations prompt renewed scrutiny of other members
The resignations of former Congressmen Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales have prompted renewed scrutiny of other congressional members. These resignations followed scandals involving Swalwell and Gonzales, drawing attention to similar accusations against other individuals in Congress. The renewed focus suggests a potential push for accountability regarding alleged misdeeds among current members. CBS News' Fin Gómez is reporting on this development.
Former staffer says Swalwell ‘rightfully has no one working for him anymore’
Former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s (D-Calif.) former chief of staff stated in an email that Swalwell "rightfully has no one working for him anymore." This comment followed Swalwell's resignation from Congress, which took effect Tuesday afternoon. His resignation comes amid allegations of sexual assault, and he also ended his gubernatorial bid over the weekend. The former staffer's strong statement indicates significant internal fallout from the accusations.
Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales resign from Congress amid sexual misconduct allegations
Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell and Republican Tony Gonzales resigned from the House of Representatives on Tuesday following sexual misconduct allegations. Their departures came amid bipartisan pressure, with lawmakers threatening to introduce resolutions to expel both men. Swalwell resigned at 2 pm eastern time, with Gonzales's resignation to follow. This abrupt end to their political careers highlights the immediate consequences faced by members of Congress accused of sexual misconduct.
Resignations of Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales Set Up Special Election Fights in Texas and California
Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales have resigned from their House seats, triggering special election contests in Texas and California. Both congressmen faced accusations of sexual misconduct, leading to their departures. The resignations mean that Texas Governor Greg Abbott and California Governor Gavin Newsom are now considering whether to call quick special elections to fill these vacant congressional positions. These upcoming elections will determine who represents their respective districts in the House of Representatives.
New Swalwell accuser comes forward with allegations of rape, drugging
Another woman has accused former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) of sexual misconduct violations, including allegations of rape and drugging. This new accusation follows Swalwell's recent resignation from Congress and withdrawal from California's gubernatorial race after multiple women made similar sexual misconduct allegations last week. Swalwell has denied the sexual assault claims, though he acknowledged unspecified issues. This latest development intensifies the scrutiny surrounding the former California lawmaker as additional accusers continue to emerge.
Swalwell, Gonzales officially resign from Congress, avoiding expulsion votes
Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell and GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales officially resigned from Congress on Tuesday, submitting their letters to the House clerk. Their resignations preempted potential expulsion votes that had been discussed within the House. This action avoids a formal legislative process to remove them from their seats. As a direct consequence, their congressional districts will now be vacant, necessitating special elections to fill these positions.
Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales officially resign amid misconduct claims - NBC News
Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales have officially resigned from their positions in the House of Representatives. Their resignations come amid unspecified misconduct claims, as reported by NBC News. This development means both congressional seats are now vacant. The resignations will likely trigger special elections to fill these newly open seats in Congress.
Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales officially resign from Congress, avoiding expected expulsion votes - CBS News
Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales have officially resigned from Congress, preempting anticipated expulsion votes. Their resignations mean the House of Representatives will not proceed with formal proceedings to remove them from their seats. This action avoids a potentially contentious and politically charged process for both the departing members and the legislative body. The resignations will necessitate special elections to fill their vacant congressional districts.
Gallego: ‘I deeply regret’ Swalwell relationship, ‘I was wrong’
Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) stated he "deeply regret[s]" his friendship with Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), admitting he "was wrong" regarding their relationship. Gallego's comments came after Rep. Swalwell faced accusations of several sexual misconduct violations. The Arizona Democrat denied any knowledge of wrongdoing by Swalwell, asserting that Swalwell "lied to all of us." Gallego indicated that his and his family's friendship with Swalwell had "clouded [his] judgement." This public statement distances Gallego from the embattled California Democrat amidst the misconduct allegations.
Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales formally submit resignations from Congress - Axios
Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales formally submitted their resignations from Congress, as reported by Axios. These resignations create two vacancies in the House of Representatives, representing their respective districts. The departures will necessitate special elections to fill these seats, potentially altering the balance of power or legislative priorities in the House. Their resignations mark a significant shift in the composition of the current legislative body.
Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales formally submit resignations from Congress
Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) formally submitted their resignations from Congress on Tuesday following sexual misconduct scandals. Swalwell's resignation took effect at 2pm ET on Tuesday, while Gonzales' takes effect at 11:59 pm ET, according to the House clerk. Swalwell denies accusations of sexual assault, harassment, and rape from four women. Gonzales admitted to an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide. Both men had been facing the threat of expulsion from Congress.
Swalwell, Gonzales officially resign from House amid sexual misconduct allegations
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) officially resigned from Congress on Tuesday. Their resignations came amid public uproar over allegations of sexual misconduct against both lawmakers. The House clerk confirmed their departures, with Gonzales's resignation effective Tuesday night and Swalwell's effective Tuesday afternoon. These resignations create two vacancies in the House of Representatives, necessitating special elections to fill their seats.