California and Texas Brace for House Seat Scramble After Lawmaker Resignations

Governors Newsom and Abbott weigh next steps to fill seats vacated by Democrats and Republicans accused of misconduct.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:06pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring a government building or legislative chamber repeated in overlapping, fractured geometric shapes in shades of blue, grey, and red, conveying a sense of political upheaval and transition.The sudden resignations of two House members in California and Texas have set off a political scramble, with state leaders weighing quick special elections to fill the vacant seats.Gonzales Today

The abrupt resignations of two U.S. House members from California and Texas, both accused of sexual misconduct, have set off a scramble in the two states as their governors consider calling special elections to fill the vacant seats. California's Gavin Newsom and Texas' Greg Abbott are weighing their options after Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales submitted their resignations this week.

Why it matters

The resignations open up two House seats in key political battleground states, with the potential to shift the balance of power in Congress. California and Texas have been engaged in an ongoing rivalry over federal influence, and the special elections could become another front in that fight.

The details

Swalwell, a Bay Area Democrat, and Gonzales, a West Texas Republican, both faced increasing pressure to resign after being accused of sexual misconduct by former staff members. Swalwell announced his resignation effective immediately, while Gonzales said his would take effect at the end of the day on Tuesday. The governors were prevented from taking any action until the resignations were official, but are now weighing whether to call quick special elections to fill the vacant seats.

  • Swalwell announced his resignation on April 14, 2026, effective immediately.
  • Gonzales submitted his resignation on April 14, 2026, effective at the end of the day.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The governor of California, a Democrat, who is considering calling a special election to fill the seat vacated by Eric Swalwell.

Greg Abbott

The governor of Texas, a Republican, who is considering calling a special election to fill the seat vacated by Tony Gonzales.

Eric Swalwell

The former Democratic U.S. Representative from California's 15th congressional district, who resigned amid accusations of sexual misconduct.

Tony Gonzales

The former Republican U.S. Representative from Texas' 23rd congressional district, who resigned amid accusations of sexual misconduct.

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What they’re saying

“I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me, however, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.”

— Eric Swalwell, Former U.S. Representative

What’s next

The governors of California and Texas are expected to announce whether they will call special elections to fill the vacant House seats in the coming days.

The takeaway

The resignations of the two House members accused of sexual misconduct have set off a political scramble in California and Texas, with the potential to shift the balance of power in Congress. The special elections to fill the vacant seats could become the latest front in the ongoing rivalry between the two states.