Bipartisan Duo Forced Reps. Swalwell and Gonzales to Resign, Warn of More to Come

Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and Teresa Leger Fernández say their coordinated efforts led to the rapid resignations, and more members could face pressure next.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:29am

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A quiet, cinematic painting of the U.S. Capitol building in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of political tension and unease.The bipartisan push to hold members of Congress accountable for misconduct exposes the complex power dynamics and silence that have long plagued the institution.Gonzales Today

A Republican and a Democrat, Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and Teresa Leger Fernández, described how they worked together to push Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell and GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales to resign this week rather than face votes to remove them from office over allegations of misconduct. The two lawmakers said their coordination began informally after Luna started publicly pushing for action, and they aligned their efforts to introduce separate expulsion resolutions, building support across party lines and increasing pressure on both men to leave.

Why it matters

The dual resignations on Tuesday were the result of members stepping in when House leadership did not immediately act, according to Leger Fernández. The situation only came to light because women involved "were willing to break the silence," she said, highlighting concerns about misconduct and power dynamics within Congress.

The details

Luna and Leger Fernández said they had enough support in the chamber to remove Swalwell and Gonzales if votes had taken place. Multiple women have accused Swalwell of sexual assault or sending unsolicited explicit messages, which he has denied, while Gonzales has faced scrutiny over an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide. The two lawmakers indicated their efforts could extend to other members currently under scrutiny, including Republican Rep. Cory Mills and Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.

  • On Tuesday, Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales resigned from the House of Representatives.
  • Last month, Gonzales dropped his bid for reelection.
  • Over the weekend, Swalwell dropped out of the California gubernatorial race.

The players

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna

A Republican member of the House of Representatives who helped lead the bipartisan effort to push for the resignations of Reps. Swalwell and Gonzales.

Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández

A Democratic member of the House of Representatives who worked with Rep. Luna to coordinate the push for the resignations of Reps. Swalwell and Gonzales.

Rep. Eric Swalwell

A Democratic member of the House of Representatives who resigned this week under threat of expulsion over allegations of misconduct.

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A Republican member of the House of Representatives who resigned this week under threat of expulsion over an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide.

Rep. Cory Mills

A Republican member of the House of Representatives who is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee over alleged campaign finance violations, sexual misconduct, and other accusations.

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

A Democratic member of the House of Representatives who has been charged by federal prosecutors with improperly using millions of dollars in federal pandemic relief funds in connection with her campaign.

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What they’re saying

“If it wouldn't have been for those resolutions that we were each filing, they wouldn't have resigned.”

— Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, Democratic member of the House of Representatives

“We are going to hold men accountable, and we will not let women continue to be silenced.”

— Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, Democratic member of the House of Representatives

“If you're knowingly breaking the law, then you need to go. I think the threshold will be met.”

— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, Republican member of the House of Representatives

What’s next

The House Ethics Committee is expected to release its report on the allegations against Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick in the coming days, which could lead to further action.

The takeaway

This bipartisan effort to hold members of Congress accountable for misconduct, even when House leadership does not act, highlights the growing push to address power dynamics and end the silence around inappropriate behavior within the institution.