A Week of Scandal, Reckoning and Resignations in Congress

Congress faced a historic moment of self-policing after serious misconduct allegations against multiple members, culminating in the resignations of Reps. Tony Gonzales and Eric Swalwell within hours of each other. The expulsion of George Santos in 2023 set a precedent that Congress can act swiftly when political will exists, challenging the long-standing norm that voters—not the institution—should decide a member’s fate. The case of Gonzales, who admitted to violating a 2018 rule banning relationships with subordinates, exposed a rift over whether members can unilaterally end their political careers to avoid formal expulsion.

It reveals how political institutions balance accountability, due process, and public trust when confronting internal misconduct.

1. 01The House expelled George Santos in 2023 based on ethics findings, proving it can bypass slow processes when misconduct is severe and politically urgent.
2. 02Rep. Tony Gonzales admitted to a coercive relationship with a subordinate, violating a 2018 House rule, but tried to sidestep consequences by ending his reelection campaign instead of resigning immediately.
3. 03Congressional leaders are divided on whether misconduct should be punished by the institution or left to voters, with growing pressure to expel members who break ethics rules regardless of electoral consequences.