Efforts to remove lawmakers tangled in scandals are intensifying, with several resolutions for expulsion anticipated to pass this week.
Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Tony Gonzalez (R-Texas) could soon face immediate expulsion threats when the House reconvenes after its two-week break on Tuesday. Swalwell, who pulled out of the 2026 California governor race recently, is currently facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, including at least one case involving a former staffer. Additionally, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has initiated a criminal investigation regarding an alleged incident in New York City.
Swalwell admitted on Sunday that he might have made mistakes in judgment but has consistently labeled the allegations as “false.” He intends to defend himself vigorously.
Gonzalez, who also acknowledged having an affair with a staffer, withdrew his re-election bid in March after requests from House Republican leaders to suspend his campaign. He is under scrutiny from the House Ethics Committee.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) has stated that she plans to introduce a resolution to expel Swalwell unless he resigns. On the other hand, Democratic Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez has pledged to draft a similar bill targeting Gonzalez.
A number of women in Congress have voiced their support for expelling both representatives. This view seems to be gaining traction among members of both parties.
Rep. Byron Donald, R-Florida, expressed that he would vote in favor of both expulsion bills, criticizing the allegations as “despicable” and detrimental to Congress’s integrity. “They are absolutely unacceptable, and I believe both men should be removed,” he commented on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., emphasized the importance of sending a clear message that such behavior won’t be tolerated in Congress.
The required threshold for expelling a member is notably high, making it uncertain if the resolutions will secure the two-thirds majority needed. A majority of MPs from the same party would need to support the removal of their own.
Former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) is the latest expelled member, having been removed from the House in 2023. He was later pardoned by former President Donald Trump after serving time for wire fraud and identity theft.
As of now, neither Republican nor Democratic leaders have publicly addressed the push to oust Swalwell and Gonzalez.
Other representatives, such as Florida Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus McCormick and Florida Republican Rep. Cory Mills, are also being discussed as potential targets of expulsion resolutions. Opinions on removing them from their parties are notably divided.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) articulated her stance, saying, “They should resign immediately, or we should expel them all,” referring to Swalwell and Gonzalez.
Cherfilus McCormick is currently facing serious allegations related to misusing disaster relief funds for her own campaign and personal expenses, with potential criminal penalties amounting to over 50 years in prison. She has also been found guilty of multiple violations by the House Ethics and Adjudication Subcommittee, with severe punishment recommended.
House Democratic leaders have decided to wait for the Ethics Committee’s findings before making a judgment regarding Cherfilus McCormick.
Mills, a former Army veteran, finds himself under a cloud of controversies involving claims of domestic violence, threats to release explicit photos of an ex-girlfriend, and misusing his committee responsibilities for personal gain. He is also facing scrutiny from the House Ethics Committee.
Both representatives have denied any wrongdoing and are actively campaigning for re-election.
