Calls Increase For Expulsion Of Swalwell And Gonzales Over Sexual Abuse Allegations

Democrats and Republicans might not agree on much lately, but they seem to have found common ground on one issue: Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales need to end their congressional tenure in the wake of sexual abuse allegations.

Both men — a California Democrat and a Texas Republican — have been accused of inappropriate sexual behavior with members of their staff. Both have repeatedly denied the claims and remain in Congress, but members of both parties are calling for the men to be removed from office — and issuing sharp rebukes of their characters.

In an interview with Fox News Sunday, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) called Swalwell’s actions “sick and disgusting." Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) spoke of accountability with NBC's "Meet the Press." Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) told CNN’s “State of the Union” that Swalwell needs to end his bid for California governor's mansion. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) called on Congress to move to expel both upon reconvening this week — a move that Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) told “Meet the Press” he would support.

“That vote comes to the floor, I will be voting yes on both measures. These allegations are despicable and they demean the integrity of Congress,” Donalds said Sunday. “These things are just completely unacceptable. And as far as I'm concerned, both gentlemen need to go home.”

Regardless of what happens in the coming days, they won't be in Congress next year: Neither Swalwell nor Gonzales is seeking another term, though Swalwell is running for governor of California.

Neither member responded immediately to a request for comment.

The calls for accountability come as some members of Congress continue to push for answers related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplices.

Khanna, who introduced the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), touted his support of survivors of abuse as he called for Swalwell and Gonzales to resign.

“Whatever in terms of the House has to happen, should happen to not just Swalwell, but also some of the Republicans like Tony Gonzales and others,” Khanna said. The California Democrat has called for both a House ethics investigation and a law enforcement investigation into the claims made against Swalwell.

“This shouldn't be about politics," Khanna said. "Anyone who abuses young girls and staffers should not be in the United States Congress. And many Democrats have said that not only should he resign, there needs to be an investigation in law enforcement. You cannot do what he did. And I believe the survivors.”

While Gonzales caved to pressure and announced last month he would not seek re-election, Swalwell has yet to end his bid for the California’s governor’s mansion despite top advisers abandoning the campaign and leaders like Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi urging him to.

"The young woman who has made serious allegations against Congressman Swalwell must be respected and heard," Pelosi told POLITICO last week. "As I discussed with Swalwell, it is clear that is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign."

But Swalwell has adamantly proclaimed his innocence.

“They are absolutely false,” Swalwell said in a video about the allegations posted Friday. “They did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything that I have.”

But fellow Democrats appeared unconvinced.

Rep. Jared Huffman, a Californian Democrat, on Saturday said Swalwell's statement “all but admits” he had sex with a subordinate.

“He must now drop out of the Governor's race and resign from Congress,” Huffman said in a post to X. "Rep. Tony Gonzales, who admitted to the same violation, should also resign. If they don't, I will support voting to expel both of them.”

Swalwell is being investigated by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office for having sex with a former staffer who alleged he had sex with her when she was heavily intoxicated and unable to consent.

In an interview with “Meet the Press” on Sunday, Jayapal said she would vote to expel both Swalwell and Gonzales and that she "absolutely" believes Swalwell should drop out of the governor’s race.

“This is not a partisan issue. This cuts across party line, and it is a depravity of the way that women have been treated,” said Jayapal. “And I'm just inspired by the courage and the bravery of the women who came forward. 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.”

Rep. Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.) on Friday also called for a full investigation into the allegations.

“As a former prosecutor of sexual assault, I take these allegations very seriously. Survivors courageous enough to come forward deserve to be heard fully, without being smeared in the media by pundits or political hacks,” Liccardo said in a post to social media. “Credible claims require a full investigation. If these allegations are substantiated, Congressman Swalwell should resign, and the consequences must follow the facts.”