'Both Gentlemen Need to Go': Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales Face Resignation Calls Amid Misconduct Claims

Ever since Texas' Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales admitted to having an affair with one of his staff members, a political storm has been brewing in Washington, D.C. Although Gonzales had previously denied the affair rumors, he recently admitted to the same and even dropped his re-election bid in March 2026.

Since this political move, the situation has become even more serious for Gonzales, as House lawmakers, including Democrats and Republicans, have started urging him to step aside citing serious misconduct claims.

However, Tony Gonzales isn't alone. The resignation calls are also growing against Democrat Eric Swalwell.

Democrats and Republicans from the House are now calling for Swalwell and Gonzales to step aside from Congress over serious sexual assault and misconduct allegations. Leaders are saying that the issue is not about politics, but about doing what's right.

So far, Republican Rep. Byron Donalds has said he would vote to remove both Swalwell and Gonzales, if the matter comes up. Speaking with NBC’s Kristen Welker on Meet The Press, Donalds said, “[If] that vote comes to the floor, I will be voting yes on both measures.”

Donalds, who is running for governor in Florida, added, “These allegations are despicable and they demean the integrity of Congress. These things are just completely unacceptable, and as far as I’m concerned, both gentlemen need to go home.”

In addition, Rep. Pramila Jayapal reiterated this view, saying “this is not a partisan issue.” She stressed that everyone must be held accountable for their actions, while claiming to see a pattern in both Swalwell and Gonzales’ behavior.

“This is clearly a pattern. I’ve already called for Congressman Swalwell to drop out of the gubernatorial race, and I think we have to hold everybody accountable,” she said. Meanwhile, Democratic Reps. Ro Khanna and Jared Huffman echoed similar sentiments.

“I believe that he should resign, and I believe that there are other members and Republican members who should resign as well. And whatever in terms of the House has to happen should happen to not just Swalwell, but also some of the Republicans like Tony Gonzalez and others,” Khanna said.

Meanwhile, this call for resignation from Democrats and Republicans comes in the wake of both Swalwell and Gonzales dropping out of the election race. After facing accusations and mounting pressure, both lawmakers decided to step away from the re-election bid.

Swalwell has dropped out of California’s governor race after facing growing pressure over sexual misconduct allegations. Four women have accused him of behavior ranging from harassment to sexual assault, thus leading him to step away.

Although he has denied the claims and vowed to defend himself with "facts", the Democrat has shared a post on X, confirming, “I am suspending my campaign for Governor. To my family, staff, friends and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past.”

He continued, "I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made - but that's my fight, not a campaign's.” Swalwell’s exit comes at a pivotal time, just weeks before voters receive mail ballots for the June 2 election, which will decide who will replace Governor Gavin Newsom.

In addition to Swalwell, Gonzales has also stepped back from his political plans. He has also announced his decision not to seek re-election after admitting to an affair with a staff member, who later died by suicide.

Similar to Swalwell, Gonzales shared a statement on X, writing “After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election.”