New House Member Sworn in as 2 Others Depart

Two members of Congress walked out on their own Tuesday rather than risk getting kicked out by their colleagues. Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California and Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas resigned Tuesday just before House members were expected to move ahead with expulsion efforts against them—a rare step that has been taken only six times in House history, CNN reports. Their exits, announced in rapid succession Monday night and finalized within hours of each other, followed mounting ethics probes and intense pressure from both parties.

• House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said they agreed with the decisions. "My views have been made known about the terrible allegations that were made and obviously the facts that they both admitted to and I believe it was the appropriate thing," Johnson said.

• Swalwell stepped down days after CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle reported a former staffer's allegation that he sexually assaulted her after a night of drinking, along with claims from three other women who accused him of sending unwanted explicit images and messages. On Tuesday, another woman said he had drugged and raped her.
• Gonzales resigned amid his own ethics probe after admitting an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide and facing separate accusations of sending lewd texts to a former campaign aide, which he has not publicly addressed.
• Behind the scenes, lawmakers from both parties were readying expulsion resolutions: GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna was set to target Swalwell, while Democratic Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández planned one against Gonzales. Both warned the men they would file the measures if resignations weren't in by 2pm Tuesday, then held off once told the departures were in motion. The coordinated pressure was designed so each party would lose one seat.

• In a letter read on the House floor, Swalwell said his resignation was effective at 2pm. He vowed to fight what he claimed were "false" allegations, but apologized to his family, staff, and constituents "for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past," CBS News reports. In a shorter letter, Gonzales said his resignation would take effect at 11:59pm. "It has been my privilege to serve the residents of Texas's 23rd congressional district," he said.
• California Gov. Gavin Newsom said a special election to replace Swalwell would be held on Aug. 18, the Hill reports. It's not clear whether Texas Gov. Greg Abbott will declare a special election to replace Gonzales before the November general election, reports the New York Times. After big swings in other recent elections, some Democratic strategists believe they have a chance to flip the seat.
• A new House career began as those of Gonzales and Swalwell ended in disgrace. Republican Rep. Clay Fuller, who won a special election in Georgia last week, addressed the House after he was sworn in, AP reports. "You have sent a warrior to Congress and I can't wait to fight for you each and every day," Fuller said to his constituents as he addressed the House. "To my Democratic colleagues, I look forward to working with each and every one of you."