Rep. Gonzales said he will retire tomorrow, according to statements reported by NBC News, following allegations of sexual misconduct that have drawn bipartisan criticism.
The announcement comes as multiple lawmakers have called for his resignation or expulsion from Congress. The accusations, which first emerged in recent days, have prompted scrutiny from both Democratic and Republican colleagues.
What the Right Is Saying
Representative Byron Donalds, a Republican close to the Trump administration, said Gonzales and his colleague facing similar allegations "need to go home." Donalds' statement reflected a position that lawmakers accused of sexual misconduct should not continue serving in Congress.
Some Republican leaders have similarly distanced themselves from Gonzales, though others have emphasized the need for due process. The rightward flank of the party has argued that allegations of this nature are serious and warrant immediate action.
What the Left Is Saying
Representative Pramila Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said she will vote to expel Gonzales from the House. "This is not a partisan issue," Jayapal stated in her announcement, emphasizing that allegations of sexual misconduct warrant serious consequences regardless of party affiliation.
The progressive caucus has joined with other Democrats in calling for accountability. Several progressive organizations have also called for a full investigation into the allegations, arguing that Congress must maintain standards of conduct for its members.
What the Numbers Show
The House has expelled only five members in its history, with the most recent being Representative James Traficant in 2002. Expulsion requires a two-thirds vote of the House, or 290 votes if all members vote.
Gonzales represents California's 51st Congressional District, a seat that has been held by Democrats since 2013. If he were to resign or be expelled, a special election would be called to fill the remainder of his term.
The Bottom Line
Gonzales' announcement that he will retire tomorrow marks a rapid fall from grace following the sexual misconduct accusations. Lawmakers from both parties have called for accountability, though the process of expulsion remains historically rare. What to watch: whether the House will proceed with a vote on expulsion, and how quickly the timeline for his departure will be finalized.