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Gonzales Today
By the People, for the People
Resignations of Swalwell and Gonzales Trigger Special Elections
California and Texas will hold votes to fill House seats after misconduct allegations
Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:04pm
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The resignations of two House members accused of misconduct set the stage for competitive special elections that could shift the balance of power in Congress.Gonzales TodayThe resignations of Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell of California and Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales of Texas have set up special election battles in their respective districts. Aides to the governors of both states are considering whether to call quick elections to replace the two House members, who were accused of sexual misconduct.
Why it matters
The resignations of Swalwell and Gonzales will leave their House seats vacant, requiring special elections that could shift the balance of power in Congress. The timing and outcome of these elections will be closely watched, as they may provide an early indicator of voter sentiment ahead of the 2028 presidential race.
The details
Swalwell and Gonzales both announced their resignations in the wake of separate allegations of sexual misconduct. Swalwell, a Democrat representing California's 15th district, was accused of an inappropriate relationship with a suspected Chinese spy. Gonzales, a Republican representing Texas's 23rd district, was accused of inappropriate behavior towards female staffers.
- Swalwell and Gonzales announced their resignations in April 2026.
The players
Eric Swalwell
A Democratic Congressman representing California's 15th district who resigned amid allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a suspected Chinese spy.
Tony Gonzales
A Republican Congressman representing Texas's 23rd district who resigned amid allegations of inappropriate behavior towards female staffers.
Greg Abbott
The Republican Governor of Texas who is considering whether to call a special election to replace Congressman Gonzales.
Gavin Newsom
The Democratic Governor of California who is considering whether to call a special election to replace Congressman Swalwell.
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 weeks.
The takeaway
The resignations of Swalwell and Gonzales highlight the ongoing challenges of sexual misconduct allegations in Congress, and the special elections to replace them could have significant implications for the balance of power in the House of Representatives.
