House Republicans plan to pair expulsion resolutions targeting Democrat Eric Swalwell and Republican Tony Gonzales, creating the first bipartisan ejection effort in decades as both parties seek to purge members accused of sexual misconduct.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna announced Sunday she will combine her resolution to expel Swalwell, who faces rape allegations he denies, with one targeting Gonzales over his acknowledged affair with a staffer who later died by suicide. The Florida Republican's strategy has drawn support from Democrats who previously resisted partisan removal efforts.
"He should step aside," Rep. Ro Khanna told Fox News about his fellow California Democrat Swalwell. "What he did is sick and disgusting. There need to be consequences to that." Khanna indicated he would vote to expel Swalwell if paired with removing "similarly abhorrent" Republicans.
The momentum represents a dramatic shift for Swalwell, whose gubernatorial campaign has collapsed as California Democrats desert his bid and Manhattan prosecutors open a criminal investigation. At least four women have accused the Intelligence Committee member of unwanted advances or sexual assault in recent reports.
Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida told NBC he would vote to expel both men. "These allegations are despicable and they demean the integrity of Congress. As far as I'm concerned, both gentlemen need to go home," he said.
Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal described the alleged behavior as part of "a depravity" among powerful men that "cuts across party lines." When asked if she would vote to expel both Swalwell and Gonzales, Jayapal responded: "I would."
The bipartisan disgust breaks traditional party-line protection patterns that typically shield members from expulsion votes. Only five House members have been expelled in American history — three during the Civil War and two after federal criminal convictions.
Swalwell's position on the Intelligence Committee, which handles classified national security information, adds urgency to calls for his removal. The congressman previously faced scrutiny over his relationship with suspected Chinese spy Christine Fang but retained his security clearance and committee seat.
Gonzales has acknowledged the extramarital affair but contests details surrounding his former staffer's death. The Texas Republican has not announced whether he will seek re-election in 2026.
Reps. Eugene Vindman of Virginia and Jared Huffman of California have called on Swalwell to resign both his House seat and end his gubernatorial campaign. The unified Democratic opposition signals Swalwell's political isolation even within his own party.
Luna's paired resolution strategy could force a floor vote within weeks. House rules require expulsion resolutions to receive priority consideration, though leadership controls the exact timing. A two-thirds majority in both chambers would be needed to remove either member.
The expulsion push comes as both parties face pressure to address sexual misconduct allegations that have plagued Congress for years. The bipartisan nature of Luna's approach may provide political cover for members who previously avoided removal votes along party lines.
