By Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández
WASHINGTON D.C. — Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández, D-N.M, Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, called for the immediate resignation of Reps. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, and Eric Swalwell, D-CA, on April 12 following allegations that they sexually abused their staff members.
“Men in power rely on the silence of the women they have abused,” Leger Fernández said in a press release. “Both Reps. Tony Gonzales and Eric Swalwell believed it was acceptable to sexually abuse staff and still run for and serve in elected office. They clearly did not expect there would be any consequences for their actions. Thankfully, the women refused to be silenced.”
Leger Fernández said Gonzales and Swalwell exploited their staffers.
“Reps. Gonzales and Swalwell exploited their staffers’ ideals and commitment to public service as a vulnerability,” she said. “These staffers work incredibly hard and instead of being treated with respect, they were preyed upon. These women have suffered enough. Now we must act to protect them and make sure there is accountability.”
She called for the two men to resign from their posistions.
“Gonzales and Swalwell are not fit to serve,” she said. “They must resign. If they do not, I will vote to expel them.”
