Snapchat Messages to TEEN—Congressman Faces Expulsion

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A Republican congresswoman has filed a motion to expel California Democrat Eric Swalwell from Congress amid explosive sexual assault allegations from four former female staffers, raising serious questions about accountability in Washington while Democrats’ defense of him could signal yet another example of the double standard many Americans see in how the political elite protect their own.

Story Snapshot

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna announces motion to expel Rep. Eric Swalwell over sexual assault allegations from four ex-staffers
Allegations include assault of intoxicated staffer and inappropriate Snapchat messages to a 17-year-old when Swalwell was 38
Expulsion requires two-thirds House vote, making success unlikely without Democratic support despite Republican control
Swalwell denies all claims as “flat-out false” while pursuing California gubernatorial campaign
Luna invites accusers to testify and demands Swalwell receive no taxpayer salary during investigation

Luna Takes Aim at Swalwell Amid Scandal

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna announced April 11, 2026, that she is filing a motion to expel Rep. Eric Swalwell from Congress following allegations of sexual misconduct from at least four former female staffers. The Florida Republican made the announcement via social media and during a Fox News appearance, declaring it “unacceptable” for Swalwell to remain in Congress while facing such serious accusations. Luna chairs House Oversight subcommittees on ethics, positioning her strategically to advance this effort. The allegations first surfaced in the San Francisco Chronicle before CNN reported additional accusers coming forward.

Disturbing Allegations Against California Democrat

The allegations against Swalwell include claims of sexual assault of an intoxicated former staffer and inappropriate Snapchat communications with a 17-year-old when the congressman was 38 years old. Three women spoke to CNN detailing their experiences, while a fourth came forward anonymously to the San Francisco Chronicle. These accusations emerged as Swalwell campaigns for California governor, complicating his political aspirations. The congressman responded with a video statement denying the allegations as “flat-out false” and vowing to fight them. His attorney has sent cease-and-desist letters to at least one accuser, signaling an aggressive legal defense strategy.

High Bar for Expulsion Creates Political Theater

Congressional expulsions remain extraordinarily rare, requiring a two-thirds majority vote in the House of Representatives. With 435 members, Luna would need at least 290 votes to succeed, meaning substantial Democratic support would be necessary even with Republican control of the chamber. The last expulsion occurred in 2002 for Rep. James Traficant, while Rep. George Santos faced expulsion in 2023 for fraud-related charges. Luna criticized what she perceives as a double standard, noting that fellow Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales admitted to an affair with a staffer without facing similar expulsion efforts, though the Gonzales situation lacked criminal allegations.

Luna has invited Swalwell’s accusers to her congressional office to provide testimony and called for the congressman to receive no taxpayer-funded salary during any investigation. She framed the motion as a necessary “hard reset” on congressional ethics, arguing that Democrats who oppose the effort would be defending “garbage” behavior. The move comes as many Americans across the political spectrum grow increasingly frustrated with what they perceive as a two-tiered justice system where powerful politicians escape consequences that ordinary citizens would face. Swalwell has faced previous scrutiny over his relationship with an alleged Chinese spy, though no formal action resulted from those revelations.

Broader Implications for Congressional Accountability

The expulsion effort highlights growing public demands for accountability among elected officials, transcending traditional partisan divides. Both conservative and liberal Americans increasingly agree that Congress appears more focused on protecting incumbents than addressing serious ethical violations. Luna’s motion, regardless of its ultimate success, forces House Democrats into a difficult position of either supporting an investigation into serious allegations or appearing to shield a colleague from accountability. The situation also raises questions about staffer safety and workplace protections within Congress, an issue that resonates with workers across America who lack the institutional protections afforded to powerful employers.

The political calculus surrounding Swalwell’s expulsion effort extends beyond partisan gamesmanship to fundamental questions about whether different rules apply to the governing class. With Swalwell continuing his gubernatorial campaign despite these allegations, many voters see another example of politicians prioritizing personal ambition over ethical responsibility. Whether Luna’s motion advances through the Rules Committee to a floor vote remains uncertain, but the episode underscores the deep frustration Americans feel toward a political system many believe is rigged to protect the powerful while ordinary citizens face harsh consequences for far less serious transgressions.