Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) announced his resignation from Congress on Monday amid bipartisan calls for his expulsion following allegations of an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide. According to Salon, Gonzales stated, 'There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all,' in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He plans to file his retirement when Congress returns.
Key Takeaways
Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) announced his resignation from Congress amid bipartisan calls for expulsion following allegations of an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide. The House Ethics Committee had launched an investigation into his conduct, and Republican leaders urged him not to seek reelection.
- Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) also resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations
- Gonzales admitted the affair but denied involvement in the staffer's death
- Both lawmakers were facing potential expulsion votes
- House Ethics Committee investigations will end with their resignations
The scandal involving Gonzales emerged after he admitted to the affair, which violated House ethics rules prohibiting relationships between lawmakers and their staff. As reported by PBS, House Republican leaders had already urged Gonzales not to seek reelection, and the House Ethics Committee initiated an investigation into his conduct.
Gonzales initially claimed he was the victim of an extortion plot when news of the affair first broke, according to Salon. He also demanded full access to the Uvalde Police report. However, his decision to resign suggests a shift in his response to the allegations and the mounting pressure from both sides of the aisle.
The announcement came shortly after Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) also declared his resignation from Congress following allegations of sexual misconduct. Both lawmakers were facing potential expulsion votes due to their respective scandals. Gonzales did not provide further details on his plans beyond stating it had been a privilege to serve the people of Texas, as noted by The Guardian.
Gonzales admitted to having an affair with a married staffer who was also married at the time, according to UPI. He denied any involvement in her death and claimed he only acknowledged the affair after months of denial during a podcast appearance. Gonzales pulled out of his primary race 'after deep reflection and with the support of my loving family,' as reported by UPI.
The Congressional investigations into both Gonzales and Swalwell will end when they officially retire from Congress, as the House Ethics Committee only has jurisdiction over current members, according to UPI. Both lawmakers resigned just hours apart, marking a significant development in their respective scandals.
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