Full Breakdown
Calls for Expulsion of Swalwell and Gonzales Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations
4/13/2026, 7:50:25 AM
Overview of Allegations and Investigations
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) has publicly supported the expulsion of two lawmakers, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX), from Congress due to serious allegations of sexual misconduct. Swalwell faces accusations of rape from a former staffer, with three additional women also alleging similar misconduct. Concurrently, Gonzales has admitted to an affair with a former staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who tragically took her own life earlier this year. Both lawmakers are currently under investigation by either state prosecutors or House committees.
Jayapal's Stance and Broader Implications
During an NBC News interview, Jayapal emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “This is clearly a pattern” of abuse against women by men in powerful positions. She expressed her intention to vote for the expulsion of both Swalwell and Gonzales if the matter arises in Congress. Jayapal highlighted that this issue transcends party lines, asserting, “This is not a partisan issue. This cuts across party line, and it is depravity of the way that women have been treated.”
Responses from the Accused
Swalwell has categorically denied the allegations, labeling them as “flat false” and has vowed to fight against them. He is currently facing scrutiny from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, led by Alvin Bragg. Meanwhile, Gonzales has claimed that the timing of the allegations against him is politically motivated. He has also distanced himself from the circumstances surrounding Santos-Aviles’s death, suggesting that other personal issues contributed to her tragic decision.
Ongoing Investigations and Political Fallout
Gonzales is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee regarding his affair and the subsequent fallout. The controversy surrounding him intensified in April when text messages surfaced, allegedly showing him making unsolicited sexual advances toward his campaign’s political director in 2020. This has further complicated his political future, leading to his decision to withdraw from his reelection bid in Texas.
Criticism and Calls for Resignation
The allegations have prompted significant backlash from within the Democratic Party, with prominent figures such as Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) urging Swalwell to resign from Congress and withdraw from the gubernatorial race in California. Jayapal's call for accountability reflects a growing movement among lawmakers to address sexual misconduct seriously and transparently.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While both Swalwell and Gonzales face serious allegations, the responses from each have varied significantly. Swalwell maintains his innocence, while Gonzales attributes the allegations to political motivations. The investigations into both lawmakers are ongoing, and the outcomes remain uncertain as public and political pressure mounts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think we have to hold everybody accountable … that both of them need to step down from Congress and let these investigations happen.” — Pramila Jayapal, U.S. Representative
- “This is clearly a pattern.” — Pramila Jayapal, U.S. Representative
- “He has claimed the timing of the revelations was politically motivated.” — Tony Gonzales, U.S. Representative
