Three members of Congress, Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.), Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), and Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), have seen their reputations implode this week due to serious allegations of misconduct against women. On Tuesday, both Gonzales and Swalwell resigned rather than face potential expulsion, raising questions about the future of Mills, who remains in office.
Why it matters: This wave of resignations highlights a growing reckoning in Congress over sexual misconduct and the need for accountability among those in power. With the #MeToo movement still echoing, the implications of these allegations extend beyond individual careers to the broader political culture.
Gonzales and Swalwell's resignations follow allegations of sexual misconduct, marking a stark response to increasing calls for accountability in Congress.
Mills faces multiple accusations, including hiring sex workers overseas, physical violence, and threats against an ex-girlfriend, yet he remains in office.
Calls for Mills' expulsion have emerged from both sides of the aisle, indicating bipartisan concern over his conduct.
Driving the news: The allegations against Mills, Gonzales, and Swalwell surfaced against a backdrop of renewed scrutiny of sexual misconduct in politics. The #MeToo movement, which gained momentum in 2017, continues to influence public discourse and political actions.
Swalwell's resignation came just days after he dropped out of the California governor's race following allegations of assault, including inappropriate behavior toward staff.
Gonzales had already announced he would not seek reelection before resigning, indicating the weight of the allegations had become untenable.
The recent focus on misconduct in Congress reflects a broader cultural shift, as survivors demand accountability and justice.
State of play: Mills, who is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee, remains defiant in the face of allegations. His situation contrasts sharply with the swift actions taken against Gonzales and Swalwell.
Mills has been accused of a range of misconduct, including a temporary restraining order issued against him for dating violence and cyberstalking.
In October, a Florida judge found that Mills had subjected his ex-girlfriend to dating violence, leading to a restraining order.
In a bizarre defense, Mills claimed he does not belong in the same category as Gonzales and Swalwell, emphasizing his single status and lack of harassment allegations against congressional staff.
The big picture: The recent events signal a potential shift in how Congress handles allegations of misconduct. With both parties expressing concern, the pressure to address these issues is mounting.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has indicated that House members may move to expel Mills, alongside Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), who faces her own legal troubles.
Both parties appear to be waiting for the outcome of Mills' ethics investigation before deciding on any punitive measures.
Removing Mills and Cherfilus-McCormick would not affect the Republican majority in the House, making this a politically viable option.
What they're saying: The reactions from colleagues and political commentators highlight the urgency of addressing misconduct in Congress.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) stated, "I’m glad that Eric Swalwell is leaving. I’m glad that Tony Gonzales is leaving. Frankly, I think Cory Mills should probably be on that list as well."
Rep. Susie Lee (D-Nev.) bluntly called for Mills' expulsion, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Advocates for survivors of sexual misconduct argue that the current political climate must prioritize addressing these issues head-on.
By the numbers: The recent resignations and allegations represent a notable trend in Congress, where misconduct claims have increasingly led to consequences.
Since the resurgence of the #MeToo movement, numerous lawmakers have faced allegations, with several resigning or being expelled from office.
The political fallout from these allegations has affected both parties, with bipartisan calls for reform and accountability.
In 2026 alone, at least two members of Congress have resigned due to misconduct allegations, indicating a potential turning point for political accountability.
What's next: As the investigations into Mills and Cherfilus-McCormick proceed, the political atmosphere in Congress remains charged with calls for reform.
Key figures in both parties are expected to wait for the completion of Mills' ethics investigation before taking any definitive action.
Advocacy groups continue to push for stronger protections for survivors and clearer policies on harassment in Congress.
The outcomes of these investigations may set precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future, shaping the culture of accountability in Washington.