Congressional Accountability: Calls for Expulsion and Investigations Gain Momentum Amid Allegations of Sexual Misconduct
Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California, once a hopeful candidate for the 2026 gubernatorial election, now faces serious allegations of sexual misconduct. Fellow Democrats are calling for his expulsion from Congress, along with other legislators involved in scandals. Multiple women have accused Swalwell of sexual assault, leading him to suspend his gubernatorial campaign. Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna and others have emphasized the need for accountability and investigations into these allegations.
Khanna has also called for the expulsion of Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas, who admitted to an affair with a former aide who later died by suicide. Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida has taken a stand against sexual harassment and abuse by legislators. Democrats like Rep. Pramila Jayapal are united in their stance against such behavior and are pushing for accountability through expulsion from Congress.
House Democrats, speaking anonymously to Axios, express confidence in the credibility of the allegations against Swalwell, Gonzales, Republican Rep. Cory Mills of Florida, and Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida. The House Ethics Committee has investigated Mills for financial and sexual misconduct, while Cherfilus-McCormick has faced allegations of financial transgressions. Calls for a "full house cleaning" to remove those accused of misconduct are gaining momentum among House Democrats.
While some House Democrats express interest in expelling Swalwell and the other accused legislators, House leadership prefers to wait for due process. Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are cautious about taking swift action. However, the allegations against Swalwell have sparked widespread condemnation and a push for accountability within Congress. The calls for expulsion and accountability in the face of misconduct are gaining traction, signaling a potential shift in how such cases are handled in the future.