Following serious accusations sexual misconduct That has sparked investigations and demands for accountability, with politicians on both sides of the aisle pushing for the possible expulsion of Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzalez.
The House is considering voting to expel the two lawmakers after growing pressure over sexual misconduct allegations and ethics concerns, NBC News reported.
Byron Donalds, a Republican from Florida, told NBC News “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker that he would vote to expel the two lawmakers from Congress if given the chance.
Donalds said, “These accusations are despicable and undermine the integrity of Congress. These things are completely unacceptable,” he added. “As far as I’m concerned, both gentlemen need to go home.”
Read more: Regina Santos Aviles: 5 Facts About Late Tony Gonzalez’s Aide’s Affair Allegations
Charges against Eric Swalwell
Eric Swalwell faces multiple charges of sexual misconduct as well as a sexual assault allegation by a former employee. The woman claimed to have had two nonconsensual encounters, according to a report published Friday by the San Francisco Chronicle. She claimed the MP sexually assaulted her twice while she was too drunk to give consent. They include an incident in New York that triggered an investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
Additional reporting by CNN and NBC News said at least three other women have accused Swalwell of inappropriate behavior, including harassment and sending unsolicited explicit images.
According to two of the women, Swalwell sent them unsolicited photos or videos of his penis. Another woman claimed Swalwell kissed her in public without her consent.
One of the women is a social media creator; Ellie Sammarcoshe has publicly confirmed her experience to NBC and CNN.
Swalwell has vehemently denied all the accusations, calling them “absolutely false” and politically motivated.
The California lawmaker was the front-runner in the gubernatorial race before Friday’s charges, but now political groups and colleagues are urging him to drop out of the race.
Read more: In Eric Swalwell sexual assault case, report says California Democrats broke the law
Charges Against Tony Gonzalez
at the same time, Tony Gonzalez Under scrutiny over separate misconduct allegations involving an admission of an extramarital affair with a staff member.
Gonzalez acknowledged the incident and described it as a “lapse in judgment.” “I made a mistake, I had an error in judgment. And with a lack of confidence, I take full responsibility for these actions,” he said. He further added that he had “reconciled” with his wife.
Another former employee later told NBC News that they exchanged sexually explicit text messages while she was employed by the Texas congressman.
Gonzalez was seeking re-election to the Texas House of Representatives but dropped out of the race after it was revealed that he sent sexually explicit text messages to a staffer, who later died by suicide.
