Rep. Tony Gonzales Announces Retirement from Congress Amid Ethics Probe Over Staffer Relationship

Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Republican from Texas, announced on Monday that he will file for retirement from Congress. The decision comes amid a House Ethics Committee investigation into his romantic relationship with a former staffer who later died by suicide.

Gonzales had previously acknowledged the relationship in a podcast. The probe examines exchanges of sexually explicit texts between Gonzales and the staffer, as reported by NBC News. A second former staffer told NBC News that Gonzales exchanged similar texts with her while she worked for him.

Under House ethics rules, lawmakers may not engage in sexual relationships with employees under their supervision.

Background on Gonzales' Situation Gonzales, a three-term congressman, announced in March that he would not seek re-election after reports emerged about the texts.

House Republican leaders had called on him not to run again. Bipartisan calls for his expulsion grew over the weekend, with two measures set to be introduced in the House this week. Rep. , stated she would introduce a resolution to expel Gonzales following Rep.

Eric Swalwell's resignation announcement. Gonzales did not specify a date for his departure in his statement. The House Ethics Committee initiated the investigation prior to his retirement announcement.

“There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. ”

Swalwell's Parallel Resignation Rep.

Eric Swalwell, a Democrat from California, announced on Monday that he will resign from Congress. Swalwell faced allegations of sexual misconduct from multiple women, including claims of sexual harassment and assault. He denied the allegations, describing them as false and politically motivated.

Four women accused Swalwell of misconduct ranging from harassment to rape, according to BBC News. Swalwell had been a candidate for California governor but dropped his bid amid the allegations. Major Democratic allies withdrew support and called for him to exit the race, as reported by ZeroHedge.

A dozen Democratic candidates in battleground races sent Swalwell's campaign donations to charity to distance themselves, Politico reported. Swalwell's resignation followed the collapse of his gubernatorial campaign. He announced the decision in a social media post.

Broader Context and Bipartisan Actions The announcements by Gonzales and Swalwell occurred hours apart on Monday.

Calls for expulsion applied to both lawmakers from members of both parties. Measures to remove them were planned for introduction in the House this week. Swalwell admitted to "mistakes" in response to the allegations, according to ZeroHedge.

His former staffer alleged harassment and two assaults while she was intoxicated. The situation prompted bipartisan pressure for both to leave their seats. No further details were immediately available on the timing of Gonzales' departure or Swalwell's final day in office.

The House returns to session on Tuesday.