California gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell is facing intense pressure from lawmakers to resign following serious allegations of sexual misconduct from four women, which include claims of rape. This has undoubtedly put his political future in jeopardy, especially as Democrats are also being scrutinized by the Manhattan district attorney.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) announced she intends to push for a House vote this week to have Swalwell removed from his position. She strongly stated, “If Democrats want to protect this kind of behavior, which I obviously don’t recommend, they’ll find themselves on the wrong side of this.”
Numerous Democratic lawmakers have urged Swalwell, often seen as a leading candidate, to withdraw from the gubernatorial race. However, some, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have refrained from calling for his resignation from Congress, prompting criticism from various quarters.
Democrats may hesitate to act against Swalwell if other members facing similar accusations are not addressed as well. Reports suggest that they are also considering a vote to expel Rep. Tony Gonzalez (R-Texas), who is dealing with his own sex scandal stemming from an alleged affair, which tragically resulted in the suicide of the involved individual.
Swalwell has firmly denied the allegations, stating in a video on Friday that he will “fight them with all my might.” Gonzalez, on the other hand, has admitted to the affair but asserted, “I had nothing to do with her tragic death,” and he has since withdrawn from running for re-election.
There’s a growing sentiment among elected officials that both Swalwell and Gonzalez should be held accountable for their alleged misconduct. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) remarked that “Congress, regardless of party affiliation, must adhere to the highest ethical standards.”
This turmoil could potentially lead to further expulsions within Congress, with Rep. Corey Mills (R-Fla.) already mentioned in connection with allegations of assaults on women, and Congresswoman Sheila Cherfils McCormick (D-Fla.) facing indictment for allegedly embezzling $5 million in federal disaster funds, both of whom deny any wrongdoing. Luna plans to file a motion to expel Cherfils-McCormick later this month.
