Two House Members Resign as Two Others Face Possible Expulsion

Overview

• Democrat Eric Swalwell of California and Republican Tony Gonzales of Texas said they will leave the House after separate misconduct allegations.
• Swalwell suspended his California governor bid and said he will defend himself against what he called false accusations while taking responsibility for past mistakes.
• Tony Gonzales acknowledged an extramarital relationship with a staffer who later died, and he announced his departure under pressure from Republican colleagues.
• Two Florida lawmakers now face proposed expulsion proceedings: Democrat Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick over alleged campaign finance violations and Republican Cory Mills over accusations that include sexual and domestic abuse as well as gifts and finance issues.
• Expelling a member requires a two-thirds vote and has happened only six times in House history, while state-run special elections to fill the vacancies could tighten the current 218–214 Republican edge.