Lawmakers from both parties are escalating calls for California Democrat Eric Swalwell to step down from Congress, with some signaling they may force his removal before he can resign voluntarily.
Swalwell, who is running for California governor, faces allegations of inappropriate behavior and sexual assault. He has rejected the claims outright.
The pressure intensified this past weekend as more members voiced support for his departure. Swalwell could face expulsion if he refuses to leave, setting up a rare bipartisan effort to remove him from office.
The momentum appears to extend beyond Swalwell. Lawmakers are simultaneously targeting Republican Tony Gonzales of Texas, who admitted to an extramarital affair with a congressional staffer. That staffer subsequently died by suicide. Gonzales has not resigned and faces no formal charges.
The dual push suggests some members see an opening to address misconduct allegations against representatives from opposite sides of the aisle at the same moment. Such coordinated action is uncommon in a polarized Congress, where party lines typically determine response to ethical controversies.
The outcome remains uncertain, as expulsion requires a two-thirds majority vote in the House. Whether that threshold can be reached for either lawmaker, or both, will determine whether the bipartisan pressure translates into formal removal.
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