As the #MeToo movement resurges, two representatives leave Congress under pressure from bipartisan calls for accountability.
Category: Politics
At the start of this week, the reputations of three members of Congress unraveled following serious allegations of misconduct against women. Reps. Cory Mills (R-Fla.), Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), and Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) found themselves at the center of a growing scandal that has reignited discussions around sexual misconduct in politics. On Tuesday, both Gonzales and Swalwell resigned rather than face potential expulsion, leaving Mills as the lone figure still clinging to his congressional seat.
Cory Mills is currently embroiled in a multitude of scandals, including accusations of hiring sex workers during a supposed "rescue mission" overseas, physically assaulting someone in Ireland, and making false claims about earning a Bronze Star. He has also been accused of threatening to release sexually explicit material of an ex-girlfriend and was subject to a temporary restraining order in October 2025 for cyberstalking. This week, members of both parties have publicly called for his expulsion, with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) stating, "Frankly, I think Cory Mills should probably be on that list as well," referring to Gonzales and Swalwell.
Meanwhile, the House Ethics Committee has opened an investigation into Mills, but the timeline for its completion remains unclear. This uncertainty has led to speculation that both Mills and fellow Florida representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who faces her own set of allegations involving the misuse of FEMA funds, could face expulsion simultaneously. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has indicated that he believes Cherfilus-McCormick will be expelled, which would not affect the Republicans' narrow majority.
The recent resignations and allegations are part of a larger trend of sexual misconduct being brought back into the political spotlight, particularly as the #MeToo movement continues to shape conversations around accountability and justice for survivors. The movement, which gained momentum in 2017 and 2018, has led to changes in laws and policies aimed at addressing abuse. Sarah Higginbotham, co-founder of the National Women’s Defense League, noted, "There is currently a survivor and sexual abuse issue that is at the epicenter of national and global politics right now." This suggests a growing frustration among the public and advocates that such issues are still not prioritized adequately.
Swalwell's and Gonzales's resignations come after years of rumors and allegations that had previously lingered in the background. The swift actions taken against them signal a potential shift in how Congress addresses misconduct. As Brooke Nevils, a former NBC producer who has spoken out about her own experiences, stated, "There is no such thing as being flirty with a staffer. That’s not being flirty, that is inappropriate, harassing behavior." This reflects a growing recognition that the power dynamics in Congress must be examined and reformed to protect vulnerable staff members.
The political implications of these resignations are complex. For Democrats, the fallout from Swalwell’s departure could complicate their strategy moving into upcoming elections, particularly as he was a prominent figure in the party and had aspirations for higher office. His resignation from the race for governor of California is a clear sign of the repercussions that misconduct allegations can have on political ambitions. "I have made errors in judgment," Swalwell admitted, though he has denied the allegations of assault, framing them as a "calculated and transparent political hit job."
For Republicans, the situation presents an opportunity to distance themselves from scandal, particularly as they have been focused on expelling Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick. The party's leadership may see this as a chance to reinforce a narrative of accountability, even as they face their own challenges with members like Mills. Rep. Susie Lee (D-Nev.) has been vocal about her stance on Mills, stating bluntly, "He should be expelled." The contrasting reactions from both parties highlight a potential divide in how they handle allegations of misconduct.
As the investigations into Mills and Cherfilus-McCormick continue, the House Ethics Committee. The timing of their decisions could significantly impact the political climate heading into the 2026 election season. With the potential for both representatives to be expelled in the near future, the balance of power in the House remains a point of interest, albeit with limited immediate impact as Republicans hold a narrow majority.
Another aspect to monitor is the broader cultural response to these allegations. The #MeToo movement has been both a force for change and a source of backlash, and how Congress chooses to address these issues will likely resonate beyond the halls of power. As Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, stated, "It’s not simply about no tolerance for sexual misconduct, whether it’s a text or whether it’s a rape, but we have to hold ourselves to a higher standard." This sentiment may galvanize advocacy groups and survivors, pushing for more substantial reforms.
In the coming weeks, the outcomes of the investigations into Mills and Cherfilus-McCormick will be closely examined, as will the responses from party leaders. The political ramifications of these scandals are far from over, and they could shape the future of the individuals involved and the legislative agenda surrounding accountability and harassment in Congress.