The push to expel Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) from Congress is gaining momentum following accusations of sexual misconduct from multiple women.
Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.) voiced her support on Sunday for a resolution aimed at expelling Swalwell and mentioned her plan to introduce a similar resolution against Rep. Tony Gonzalez (R-Texas), who is currently facing an extramarital affair scandal.
“As I have previously stated, Mr. Gonzalez and Mr. Swalwell are unfit to serve in Congress given their inappropriate actions towards women working for them. Resignation or expulsion is necessary,” she remarked. “The resolution to expel Mr. Swalwell is already in motion, and I back it. I also intend to propose a resolution for the expulsion of Mr. Gonzalez.”
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), who initially introduced the motion to expel Swalwell, has also expressed her agreement, saying, “I support this resolution!”
Congressman Byron Donald (Republican, Florida), who is campaigning for the governor position in Florida, expressed his endorsement of the efforts to remove both Swalwell and Gonzalez. “I will vote yes on both bills,” he confirmed.
“These allegations are serious and impair the integrity of Congress. They cannot be tolerated,” he added. “In my opinion, both individuals should step down.”
Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wis.) also expressed her support for expelling both congressmen, stating, “I think it’s crucial to demonstrate to everyone on Capitol Hill and across the nation that we stand by women and reject this behavior.”
Others in Congress have similarly called for Swalwell’s resignation.
On Sunday, Swalwell announced his decision to withdraw from the gubernatorial race, expressing disappointment over his “misjudgment.” He maintained that he would “contest the materially false allegations made against him.”
His campaign suspension followed serious accusations from a former staff member who claimed that Swalwell sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions, alleging that he demanded oral sex and engaged in other inappropriate behavior.
According to the woman, in September 2019, Swalwell invited her out for drinks, and after becoming very intoxicated, she lost memory of subsequent events. She recounted awakening in Swalwell’s hotel bed, feeling the aftermath of sexual intercourse. Following that incident, she said, he distanced himself from her.
Years later, during a benefit gala in April 2024, they reunited, but the evening ended with her feeling drunk and recalling only fragments of the night, during which she reportedly rejected his advances.
Additionally, multiple other women have reported sexual misconduct allegations against Swalwell, including unsolicited nude photos. One woman mentioned a night in Swalwell’s hotel room where she had little recollection of what transpired, according to reports.
For context, Swalwell has been married to his second wife, Brittany Watts, since 2016.
