Two members of Congress from opposite parties resigned Tuesday after separate sexual misconduct investigations threatened their careers. Rep. Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat, and Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican, both stepped down to avoid expulsion votes that appeared certain to pass. Their departures shift the House balance and end a troubling chapter on Capitol Hill.

Swalwell Faces Multiple Assault Allegations

Swalwell’s resignation came days after explosive reports detailed allegations from multiple women. The San Francisco Chronicle published accounts from a former staffer who accused him of sexual assault when she was too intoxicated to consent. CNN interviewed three additional women with similar claims. On Tuesday, another woman alleged through her attorneys that Swalwell drugged, raped, and choked her in a California hotel room in 2018. She planned to report the incident to law enforcement.

His attorney Sara Azari issued a forceful denial, calling the accusations “false, fabricated, and deeply offensive” and describing them as a “calculated and transparent political hit job.” The Manhattan District Attorney has launched an investigation into an alleged assault in New York. Swalwell previously admitted making “mistakes” but denied any sexual assault. His resignation became effective at 2 p.m. Eastern time Tuesday.

Gonzales Admitted Affair With Staffer Who Died

Gonzales faced his own scandal following the September suicide of Regina Santos-Aviles, one of his staffers. Text messages obtained by NBC News showed he sent her sexually explicit messages in May 2024. Gonzales later admitted to having an affair with Santos-Aviles while she worked as his subordinate, a violation of House rules. A second former staffer told NBC News that Gonzales also sent her sexually explicit messages, repeatedly requesting sex and nude photographs.

After announcing in March he would not seek reelection, Gonzales accelerated his departure following the Swalwell revelations. His resignation takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday. Both resignations effectively end House Ethics Committee investigations, as the panel only has jurisdiction over sitting members. Law enforcement investigations can continue independently.

Republicans Maintain Slim House Majority

The dual departures temporarily reduced the Republican majority to 216-213. However, Clay Fuller of Georgia was sworn in Tuesday night to replace former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, restoring the GOP advantage. Swalwell had been a prominent figure in Democratic politics and was considered a leading contender in California’s gubernatorial race before the allegations surfaced. He withdrew from that race Sunday before announcing his congressional resignation Monday. Gonzales, first elected in 2020, represented a sprawling Texas border district.