Four US House members face expulsion votes this week over explosive sexual misconduct scandals, threatening Republicans’ fragile majority and igniting a bipartisan purge unseen in over two centuries.
Story Snapshot
- Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) suspended governor bid amid assault allegations from four women, including a staffer.
- Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) admitted affair with aide who died by suicide; Democrats push expulsion.
- Reps. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) and Cory Mills (R-Fla.) targeted over ethics violations and scandals.
- Expulsion requires two-thirds majority; only six precedents in House history, last George Santos in 2023.
- Votes could start midweek, forcing special elections in key districts.
Swalwell Scandal Ignites the Firestorm
Rep. Eric Swalwell suspended his California governor campaign after four women accused him of sexual assault and misconduct. A former staffer claimed he assaulted her twice while intoxicated. Swalwell denied the allegations in a video and vowed legal action. All 21 Democratic endorsers withdrew support. State party leaders demanded his exit from the race. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna filed a motion to expel him, with votes possible midweek.
US House braces for rare expulsion wave amid sexual misconduct scandal https://t.co/aSsXRJ1kmQ
— The Straits Times (@straits_times) April 13, 2026
Gonzales Affair Draws Democratic Retaliation
Rep. Tony Gonzales admitted an affair with a staffer who later died by self-immolation. He dropped his reelection bid but refused to resign. Democrats plan a counter-vote to expel him. The House Ethics Committee examines his case alongside others. GOP leaders face pressure as vacancies loom in their narrow majority. Special elections would follow any expulsions, timed by state governors.
Florida Lawmakers in the Crosshairs
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick faces a sanctions hearing for 25 campaign finance violations. She awaits a 2027 federal trial. Rep. Cory Mills remains entangled in unresolved ethics scandals. Both Florida representatives draw bipartisan ire. Frustration builds across aisles over persistent misconduct. Lawmakers from both parties consider a broader purge to restore accountability.
Rare Expulsion Mechanics and History
House expulsion demands a two-thirds majority, a high bar met only six times in 237 years. Most cases involved Civil War disloyalty or corruption. George Santos exited in 2023 over lies and fraud. Current scandals echo grave misconduct but test modern thresholds. Success would trigger immediate vacancies, reshaping committees and leadership. Republicans’ thin edge amplifies every risk.
US House braces for rare expulsion wave, threatening legislative stability and market confidence. Political risk rises in Washington, with potential impacts on bonds and equities. Investors on alert. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/RgI22whxdN
— Flash Feed Macro (@FlashFeedMacro) April 13, 2026
Political Fallout Reshapes the Battlefield
Rep. Byron Donalds supports expelling both Swalwell and Gonzales. Rep. Jared Huffman pledged votes against them. The House operates on a razor-thin Republican majority. Vacancies invite special elections in battlegrounds, favoring Democrats in some spots. This wave signals deeper rot: scandals erode public trust and legislative stability. Conservatives demand swift justice to protect institutional integrity and common-sense governance.
Sources:
Fallout from Eric Swalwell scandal grows as lawmakers eye House expulsion votes
US House braces for rare expulsion wave amid sexual misconduct scandal
Swalwell scandal threatens cascade of House expulsion votes – Axios
