House Moves to Expel Members Over Misconduct Allegations

Lawmakers debate bypassing ethics process to hold representatives accountable.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:59pm

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A quiet, cinematic painting of an empty congressional hearing room with a single chair and microphone stand in the center, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually illustrating the House's debate over expelling members accused of misconduct.The House's rush to expel members accused of misconduct raises questions about due process and the precedent it could set.Gonzales Today

The House of Representatives is considering expelling several members, including Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), over allegations of sexual misconduct with congressional staff. This would bypass the typical House Ethics Committee investigation and trial process, raising questions about due process and the precedent it could set.

Why it matters

Expelling House members is extremely rare, with only six lawmakers removed in over 200 years. The push to bypass the ethics process and hold immediate votes on expulsion could fundamentally change how the House handles misconduct allegations in the future, potentially making it easier to remove members but also raising concerns about rushing to judgment without a full investigation.

The details

The allegations against Gonzales involve an admitted affair with a congressional aide, while Swalwell is accused of sexual harassment and even rape by a former staffer. Both lawmakers have denied the most serious charges. Meanwhile, the House Ethics Committee is also investigating other members, including Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) over financial crimes and Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.) for alleged fraud and violence against women.

  • In early April 2026, lawmakers began seriously discussing expelling Swalwell and Gonzales.
  • The House Ethics Committee announced an investigation into Swalwell on April 13, 2026.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic congressman from California who is accused of sexual misconduct with a former congressional staffer.

Tony Gonzales

A Republican congressman from Texas who admitted to having an affair with a congressional aide, who later died by suicide.

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

A Democratic congresswoman from Florida who is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for alleged financial crimes.

Cory Mills

A Republican congressman from Florida who is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for alleged fraud and violence against women.

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What they’re saying

“I'm deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past.”

— Eric Swalwell

What’s next

The House is expected to hold votes on whether to expel Swalwell and Gonzales in the coming weeks, even as the Ethics Committee continues its investigations into other members.

The takeaway

The push to bypass the House's typical ethics process and immediately expel members accused of misconduct could set a new precedent, making it easier to remove lawmakers but also raising concerns about due process. The outcome of the votes on Swalwell and Gonzales will likely shape how the House handles such allegations going forward.