Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales resigned Tuesday amid separate sexual misconduct scandals.
The two men announced their plans to step down Monday amid growing support they both be expelled.
Swalwell — who was once seen as the frontrunner in the California gubernatorial race — is facing accusations from four women of sexual assault, harassment and rape, all of which he denies. Gonzales, a Texas Republican, admitted earlier this year to an affair with a member of his staff who later died by suicide.
A fourth accuser came forward Tuesday at a Beverly Hills press conference, alleging Swalwell drugged and sexually assaulted her in a California hotel room in 2018. Los Angeles District Attorney said Tuesday they are opening an investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations. He is facing a separate criminal investigation in New York.
Both men’s departures effectively shut down ongoing House Ethics Committee investigations into their conduct since the committee has no jurisdiction over former members.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries both said the lawmakers made the right decision in stepping down.
