Political Turmoil Intensifies as Eric Swalwell Faces Expulsion Votes
Political tensions are reaching a boiling point as allegations against Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California threaten to ignite a significant upheaval in the House of Representatives.
Swalwell, currently campaigning for the California governorship, is under scrutiny due to multiple sexual misconduct allegations, including a serious claim from a former staffer who accused him of sexual assault. In response, Swalwell has publicly denied these accusations through an online video and has hinted at potential legal action against the accuser.
The repercussions have been immediate and severe. All 21 Democratic lawmakers who previously endorsed his gubernatorial campaign have rescinded their support, while state party leaders are increasingly urging him to withdraw from the race, according to sources familiar with the situation.
As lawmakers prepare to return to Washington after a two-week recess, the implications of the Swalwell scandal are becoming clearer. The unfolding drama is setting the stage for a contentious battle that could reshape the House ahead of the midterm elections. With several members facing serious allegations, calls for accountability are growing louder.
Florida Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna is spearheading efforts to initiate a vote aimed at expelling Swalwell from Congress, with a potential vote on the horizon as early as midweek.
In a strategic counter, Democrats are expected to propose a vote to expel Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales, who has admitted to an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide. Although Gonzales has stepped back from his reelection campaign, he remains in office.
Both parties are contemplating additional expulsion votes targeting not only Swalwell and Gonzales but also other members embroiled in controversies, as revealed by two lawmakers who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Florida's GOP Rep. Corey Mills and Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick are also under investigation for various ethical violations. Mills faces scrutiny from the House Ethics Committee over alleged campaign finance infractions and sexual misconduct, while Cherfilus-McCormick is accused of misappropriating $5 million in federal pandemic relief funds to enhance her congressional campaign. Both have denied any wrongdoing.
Reports indicate that Axios was the first to disclose plans for these additional expulsion votes.
Expelling a member from the House requires a two-thirds majority, a rare occurrence in U.S. history—only six lawmakers have been expelled, with the most recent being New York Rep. George Santos in 2023.
On NBC's "Meet the Press," GOP Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida expressed his support for expelling both Swalwell and Gonzales, stating, "If those votes come to the floor, I will be voting yes on both measures. These allegations are despicable and they demean the integrity of Congress. These things are just completely unacceptable and, as far as I'm concerned, both gentlemen need to go home."
A growing number of California Democrats are urging Swalwell to abandon his gubernatorial aspirations and resign from Congress. Rep. Jared Huffman joined this chorus on Saturday evening, declaring his intention to vote for the expulsion of both Swalwell and Gonzales.
"I've seen enough. With his nuanced statement aimed at defending likely criminal charges, Swalwell all but admits a per se abuse of power under House ethics rules: sex with a subordinate. He must now drop out of the Governor's race and resign from Congress," Huffman stated on X. "Rep. Tony Gonzales, who admitted to the same violation, should also resign. If they don't, I will support voting to expel both of them."
