Two U.S. lawmakers from opposite parties have stepped down from Congress following separate allegations of misconduct, triggering investigations and political fallout.
Eric Swalwell, a Democrat from California, and Tony Gonzales, a Republican from Texas, both announced their resignations on April 13, 2026.
In Swalwell’s case, multiple women have come forward with allegations, including a former staffer who accused him of sexual assault. The matter is now under review by the House Ethics Committee. Swalwell has denied the assault allegations, though he has acknowledged what he described as past errors in judgment.
Separately, Gonzales confirmed that he had an extramarital relationship with a staff member. Reports indicate the staffer later died by suicide. Additional claims surfaced alleging inappropriate conduct toward another aide, leading to bipartisan calls for his resignation.
Both situations have drawn attention to standards of conduct within Congress and the handling of relationships between elected officials and staff. Ethics rules in the House of Representatives place strict limits on such relationships, particularly where power imbalances may exist.
Neither case has reached a legal conclusion, and investigations or reviews may continue despite the resignations.
The developments come at a time of increased scrutiny on workplace conduct in government, with lawmakers from both parties facing pressure to address accountability and transparency.