Swalwell and Gonzales Resign Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations
In a stunning bipartisan downfall, California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell and Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales resigned from the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday. Their abrupt departures came moments before their colleagues were prepared to initiate a vote for their expulsion, a move that followed a furor over serious allegations of sexual misconduct against both congressmen. The resignations immediately narrow the Republican majority in the House to 216-213. The catalyst for Swalwell's resignation was a series of sexual assault allegations that upended his political career in a matter of days. He had been a front-runner in California's gubernatorial race but abandoned that bid on Sunday. The most severe allegation, from model Lonna Drewes, claims Swalwell drugged, raped, and choked her in a West Hollywood hotel room in July 2018. Drewes stated publicly, 'He raped me, and he choked me. And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness. I thought I died.' In response to the public allegations, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed it has opened an investigation into the matter. The department's Special Victims Bureau stated the investigation is in its 'preliminary stages' and that investigators are gathering information and evidence. The political calculus behind the resignations was described as straightforward, though some GOP members were noted to have floated unusual conspiracy theories surrounding the events. The simultaneous resignations of a prominent Democrat and a Republican underscore the rare bipartisan pressure that can force lawmakers from office.
Prefer swipe-first reading?
Install the app to keep reading with faster loads and a smoother mobile experience.
Sources
Eric Swalwell resigns: What to know about the special election and the governor’s race | LAist
If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today. East Bay Rep. Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress on Tuesday, days after sexual assault and misconduct allegations against the Democratic front-runner upended California’s wide-open governor’s race.
Swalwell, Gonzales resignations shake up House, leaving GOP majority at 216-213 | Live Updates from Fox News Digital
News that now-former Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., would abandon his California gubernatorial bid in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations on Sunday didn’t prevent Senate lawmakers on Monday from demanding that the embattled congressman go one step further and resign.
As Swalwell exits Congress in disgrace, Republicans concoct weird new conspiracy theory
The political calculus of the congressman’s resignation is entirely straightforward. Some in the GOP have odd ideas anyway. Apr. 15, 2026, 3:37 PM EDT ... In recent years, plenty of politicians have seen their careers collapse in the face of scandals, but it’s hard to think of someone whose downfall came as quickly as Eric Swalwell...
Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales resign from Congress amid sexual misconduct allegations | US Congress | The Guardian
The Democratic congressman Eric Swalwell and Republican congressman Tony Gonzales submitted their resignations to the House of Representatives on Tuesday, abruptly ending their political careers amid bipartisan furor over allegations of sexual misconduct against both.
Eric Swalwell investigated for alleged rape of Lonna Drewes, LA County Sheriff's Dept. says
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Tuesday said it has opened an investigation into claims that former Rep. Eric Swalwell raped model Lonna Drewes in a West Hollywood hotel room in July 2018.
The county sheriff’s department later said it is investigating the matter. ... Former Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., faces a new sexual assault allegation from a woman who said he drugged, raped and choked her in a California hotel room in 2018. ... Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content. "He raped me, and he choked me. And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness," the woman, Lonna Drewes, said Tuesday at a news ...
Fact Checks
Related news
Celebrity Stance on Social and Political Issues Remains Divisive
Public figures frequently use their platforms to address major social justice and political causes, sometimes facing intense scrutiny and backlash for taking a stand. However, the conversation is equally polarized by those who choose silence. Some stars are criticized for refusing to speak on politics, while others, like actor Siddharth, advise caution regarding public discourse and navigating online criticism.
Charlie Baker Hosts Democratic Fundraiser, Signaling Focus Amid MA Political Races
Former Governor Charlie Baker is scheduled to headline a fundraising event supporting a Democratic candidate for District Attorney, drawing attention to his continued involvement in state politics. The visit comes as multiple elections heat up, including the gubernatorial race. While sources note Baker's support for Democrats at this fundraiser, other political developments indicate that the focus of the Governor's contest is shifting toward the south coast region of Massachusetts.
Michigan Primaries Highlight Deep Democratic Divisions Across the Midwest
Recent primary races, particularly in Michigan, have highlighted significant internal divisions within the Democratic Party. Progressive candidates scoring notable victories are challenging established norms and conventional wisdom among party leadership. These ideological battles are setting a tone for other pivotal Midwestern states, including Wisconsin's governorship race and Minnesota's senate primary. Republicans are capitalizing on these divisions, while some Democrats fear negative electoral fallout in November.
California considers fines for influencers who fail to disclose paid political posts
California is considering introducing laws that mandate clear disclosures for social media influencers making political posts. These proposed regulations aim to illuminate who is paying for online political speech and penalize non-disclosure with potential fines of up to $5,000. The legislation, reportedly introduced by Senator Adam Schiff, would also expand its scope to restrict fraudulent AI-generated content and deepfakes used in political advertising. The debate highlights growing concerns over the transparency and funding sources of digital political messaging.
Wisconsin Primaries Highlight Democratic Party Divisions and Progressive Reform Calls
The recent slate of primary elections across states like Wisconsin has exposed significant ideological rifts within the Democratic Party, affecting gubernatorial and congressional races. These high-stakes primaries are drawing national attention, leading some progressives to argue that internal struggles reflect broader economic frustration. Meanwhile, voters face specific procedural rules regarding absentee ballots, while external issues include party funding debates and political prediction markets.
Billionaire GOP Donor Ronald Lauder Abruptly Scales Back Political Giving
Ronald Lauder, a billionaire philanthropist and major donor to the Republican Party, has abruptly curtailed his extensive history of political giving. The wealthy heir, who previously funneled millions into federal, state, and local elections—spending over $70 million in total—is reportedly scaling back support amid potential implications for GOP fundraising ahead of key elections.
Take Yomuyo with you
Download the mobile app for personalized headlines and quick access to breaking stories.