Rep. Anna Paulina Luna is leading calls to expel two Democratic lawmakers — Eric Swalwell and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick — over reports of sexual assault and the misuse of campaign funds.
Ms. Luna, Florida Republican, said Saturday she would file a motion to expel Mr. Swalwell from Congress because of the California Democrat’s rape allegations. She called for him to resign or else she will advance the proposal next week.
The leading gubernatorial candidate in California was accused of multiple instances of sexual assault after a former staffer said he assaulted her twice when she was too intoxicated to consent.
Ms. Luna asked if Democrats would “vote to protect this corruption” or back the motion to expel him.
As prominent party leaders called for investigations into the allegations, plus other allies suspended their support, Mr. Swalwell described the accusations as “absolutely false.”
Ms. Luna pointed to the Californian as an example of men in Congress accused of nefarious actions toward women.
“I am not going to act like it is fine. This is NOT okay,” she posted on X. “Let’s also not forget about the theft issue with a female member. I will be bringing forward multiple privileged disciplinary motions next week. Congress needs a hard reset.”
She referenced the House Ethics Committee finding that Ms. Cherfilus-McCormick, Florida Democrat, committed dozens of ethics violations related to campaign finance, particularly inflating her campaign’s strength through illicit transfers. Hence, Ms. Luna’s aim is to oust her fellow Floridian.
Expulsion is the most severe method of discipline in Congress, with the most recent being former Rep. George Santos. The House voted to remove the New York Republican in 2023 following accusations of campaign finance fraud and other violations.
Democrats are reportedly expected to respond by moving to expel Rep. Tony Gonzales, who is being investigated by House Ethics over sexual misconduct allegations, according to Axios.
The Texas Republican dropped his bid for reelection after admitting to an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide, a relationship he denied for months.
