Just moments after Democrat Rep. Eric Swalwell announced his impending departure from the U.S. Congress, Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales announced that he would be following suit by retiring from his position tomorrow morning.
There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas.
— Rep. Tony Gonzales (@RepTonyGonzales) April 13, 2026
🚨 BREAKING: Tony Gonzales (R-TX), who had an affair with a staffer who then set herself on FIRE, has announced he is filing to RETIRE from the U.S. House TOMORROW
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) April 13, 2026
It’s unclear exactly when he’ll resign.
But it’s almost time for Brandon Herrera. pic.twitter.com/bNdrlkcYAo
Congressional Creep Caucus loses two of its staunchest members with the departure of the vile @RepTonyGonzales and the traitorous @RepSwalwell.
— Michael Quinn Sullivan 🇺🇸 (@MQSullivan) April 13, 2026
Good riddance to the trash.
NOTUS reports that Tony Gonzales will also be resigning, more than likely tomorrow.
— America First Insight (@AF_Insight) April 13, 2026
On paper only 36 days are required from resignation to special election, but typically it takes about 2-3 months. If the GOP wins the special that would still keep a 2 person padding for the… pic.twitter.com/FJFqLvdSCX
Both members of Congress had faced extraordinarily serious sexual misconduct allegations and mounting pressure. Gonzales had been accused of making undesired advances towards one female staffer and having engaged in an affair with another in an ordeal that led to her eventual self-immolation.
The news of Swalwell’s resignation likely increased pressure on Gonzales to bow out as well. Gonzales had previously suspended his re-election campaign after it became clear that his path to victory in his run-off primary against firearms YouTuber Brandon Herrera was quickly narrowing.
Likewise, Swalwell had ended his bid in California’s gubernatorial race shortly before announcing his departure from the U.S. House