GOP Rep Files Motion To EXPEL Disgraced Congressman

A Florida congresswoman just launched what could be the most explosive ethics battle in Congress since George Santos, targeting a California Democrat running for governor who denies sexual assault allegations from four former staffers.

Story Snapshot

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna announced on April 11, 2026, she is filing a motion to expel Rep. Eric Swalwell from Congress over sexual assault and misconduct allegations from at least four former female staffers
Allegations include assault while one staffer was intoxicated and inappropriate Snapchat messaging with a 17-year-old when Swalwell was 38
Swalwell categorically denies the claims, calling them “flat-out false” and vowing to fight them legally while his attorney sent cease-and-desist letters
The expulsion motion requires a two-thirds House vote (290 members), making passage highly unlikely without significant Democratic support in the Republican-controlled chamber
The timing coincides with Swalwell’s California gubernatorial campaign, adding political stakes to an already explosive situation

When Allegations Collide with Political Ambition

The San Francisco Chronicle broke the first bombshell in early April 2026 when an anonymous former staffer accused Swalwell of sexual assault during an incident where she was allegedly intoxicated. The story quickly escalated when CNN reported that three additional women came forward with separate allegations of misconduct against the California Democrat. One particularly disturbing claim involves Snapchat messages allegedly sent to a 17-year-old by Swalwell when he was 38, raising questions that go beyond workplace misconduct into potential predatory behavior. The accusations emerged at the worst possible moment for Swalwell, who recently announced his candidacy for California governor.

Luna, who chairs House Oversight subcommittees focused on ethics, announced her intentions both on X and during a Fox News appearance on “Saturday in America.” She pulled no punches, declaring it “unacceptable” for Swalwell to remain in Congress while these allegations swirl. Luna extended a public invitation to the accusers to share their stories at her congressional office, positioning herself as an advocate for victims while simultaneously wielding a powerful political weapon. She also criticized the prospect of taxpayers continuing to fund Swalwell’s congressional salary during any investigation, framing the issue as both a moral and fiscal outrage.

Swalwell’s Categorical Denial and Legal Counterpunch

Swalwell wasted no time mounting his defense. The day before Luna’s announcement, he posted a video statement flatly denying all allegations and pledging to fight them vigorously. His legal team sent cease-and-desist letters to at least one accuser, signaling an aggressive strategy to discredit the claims before they gain further traction. For Swalwell, the stakes couldn’t be higher. He’s served California’s 14th district since 2013, built a national profile through frequent media appearances, and positioned himself as a serious gubernatorial contender. These allegations threaten to unravel everything he’s constructed over more than a decade in Congress.

The question of evidence looms large. Anonymous accusations, even when multiple, present challenges in the court of public opinion and formal proceedings alike. Swalwell’s defenders will likely point to the lack of police reports, the timing amid his governor’s race, and the partisan source of the expulsion motion as evidence of a political hit job. Yet the specificity of some allegations, particularly the Snapchat detail with an underage individual, creates a narrative problem that simple denials may not resolve. The House Ethics Committee now faces pressure to investigate thoroughly while navigating treacherous political waters.

The Nearly Impossible Math of Congressional Expulsion

Constitutional reality presents Luna with a monumental obstacle. Expelling a member of Congress requires approval from two-thirds of the House, meaning 290 of the 435 members must vote yes. With Republicans holding the majority but Democrats protecting one of their own, Luna needs massive Democratic defections to succeed. History shows this almost never happens. Congress has expelled only five members in its entire history, and the last expulsion occurred in 2002 when James Traficant was removed following criminal convictions. More recently, Rep. George Santos faced expulsion in 2023 after fraud charges, but even that case required extensive evidence and bipartisan consensus.

Luna’s motion also invites uncomfortable comparisons that could undermine Republican credibility. Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican, admitted to an affair with a staffer yet faces no similar expulsion effort from his own party. This apparent double standard raises questions about whether Luna’s motion represents principled ethics enforcement or partisan opportunism. Democrats will certainly highlight this inconsistency, arguing that Republicans selectively apply moral outrage depending on party affiliation. The political theater could backfire if voters perceive the effort as cynical rather than sincere.

What This Means for Congressional Ethics Standards

Regardless of whether Luna’s motion succeeds, it forces a conversation Congress would rather avoid. The institution has long struggled with accountability for sexual misconduct, often relying on quiet settlements funded by taxpayers or Ethics Committee processes that drag on for years without meaningful consequences. The post-MeToo era demanded better, yet congressional culture remains resistant to transparent, swift accountability. If Swalwell survives this challenge despite credible allegations, it sends a dispiriting message to current and future staffers about the futility of coming forward. If he’s expelled based primarily on unproven allegations, it establishes a dangerous precedent where partisan majorities can weaponize accusations without due process.

WATCH: Rep. Anna Paulina Luna Announces She’s Filing Motion to Expel Rep. Eric Swalwell from Congress

READ: https://t.co/D4usTGHnxQ pic.twitter.com/U1mCbc7CJh

— The Gateway Pundit (@gatewaypundit) April 12, 2026

The broader implications extend to workplace safety on Capitol Hill. Congressional staffers occupy a uniquely vulnerable position, working grueling hours in high-pressure environments for bosses who wield enormous power over their careers. Many are young, idealistic, and ill-equipped to navigate situations where they might be exploited. Luna’s call for these women to testify, if handled properly, could provide a platform that empowers other victims to speak. If handled cynically, it risks retraumatizing accusers for political gain. The coming weeks will reveal which path this effort takes and whether Congress can finally implement reforms that protect staffers from predatory behavior regardless of which party employs them.