Forced Retirements
The U.S. House of Representatives is getting smaller in size, as both Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Tony Gonzales (R-TX) have resigned from Congress after allegations of sexual misconduct.
Swalwell, who is also withdrawing from the race to be the next governor of California, is accused of twice sexually assaulting a former staffer and of misconduct toward several other women. He has denied the allegations but admitted to “mistakes in judgement.”
Gonzales, facing allegations of sexual misconduct with a former staffer who later took her own life, also announced his retirement.
The departures coincided with the swearing-in of Rep. Clay Fuller, who won a special election in Georgia. After the flurry of changes, the U.S. House currently has 431 Members out of a possible 435 seats.
Analysis and eternal perspective: Both departures from the U.S. House are anything but voluntary. Both Swalwell and Gonzales waited until it was clear their colleagues would expel them before announcing they would “voluntarily” depart the chamber. This is common in these situations but does reflect the likelihood there is more regret about being exposed than over having engaged in the misconduct.
Our prayers should be with the families impacted, beginning with the families of the victims. Lord, we pray your comfort, healing, and restoration. We also pray for a restorative work within the Swalwell and Gonzales families. God, do a miracle in the place of human brokenness.
Far less eternally consequential is the partisan makeup of the U.S. House. Republicans continue to hold an ever so slim majority, but every vacancy makes that edge a bit more vulnerable. Even without further vacancies, the midterm elections are just a little more than six months away, and control of the U.S. House will be one of the major questions to be answered.
Matthew 7 reminds us to take personal stock of our own lives and reputation. What fruit is born out of your life? Does it contribute to the health and wellbeing of your community? “Every good tree bears good fruit,” so take a good look in the mirror of your life today? Where is there good fruit, and where is there a need for the cultivation of good fruit?
The preceding article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.