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

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. A lawmaker stated she would introduce a resolution to expel him. He 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. ”

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.

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.