Two congressmen accused of sexual misconduct against staffers resign

A prominent US politician said he will resign from Congress after a series of sexual misconduct allegations were made against him, including one accusation of rape.

Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell maintained that he did not rape one of his staffers, as she claimed.

But he admitted to unspecified failings in his statement.

READ MORE: Kamala Harris 'thinking about' another run for president

"I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past," Swalwell said.

"I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make."

His resignation marks a remarkable fall from grace.

On Friday, he was the Democratic frontrunner for November's election for governor of California.

By Saturday, he had dropped out of that race after news broke of his alleged behaviour.

He had made an unsuccessful bid for president in 2020.

Today's announcement of his resignation came after one of his closest friends called for his expulsion.

READ MORE: Trump rages at some of his biggest former backers

"I want to be clear: I had no knowledge of the allegations of assault, harassment, and predatory behaviour against Eric Swalwell," Senator Ruben Gallego said.

"I trusted someone who I believed was a friend, but it is now clear that he is not the person I thought I knew.

"The women who have come forward have shown courage. They deserve to be believed, to be supported, and to see justice served."

While Swalwell said he will resign as the representative for California's 14th District, he has yet to officially do so.

Under California law, it is possible his seat will not get filled under the general election in November.

In any instance, it is highly likely the seat in California's Bay Area will be won by a Democrat.

READ MORE: Top Democrat demands Donald Trump submit to a dementia test

Soon after Swalwell announced his resignation, a Texas Republican beset by scandal also said he would leave office.

"There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all," Tony Gonzales said in a statement.

"When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. 

"It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas."

Gonzales had admitted to having an affair with a staffer who later committed suicide.

His statement did not specify when he would leave office, having dropped his re-election bid several weeks ago.

Both Gonzales and Swalwell were facing votes from their colleagues that would expel them from the House.

Firebrand conservative House member Anna Paulina Luna celebrated the resignations of both members.

"We have successfully drained part of the swamp this week with the resignation of two very corrupt members of Congress," she said.

While Swalwell's seat would likely be filled by a Democrat, Gonzales' seat is not a sure thing for Republicans.

The district, which stretches along the border from El Paso to San Antonio, has been represented by Democrats in recent memory.

A massive swing in South Texas to Republicans in recent years may be reversed, if voter turnout in last month's primary elections were any indication.

More Democrats than Republicans turned out to vote in the district, giving some indication of a backlash against the Trump administration in one of the most heavily Hispanic regions of the USA.

READ MORE: Trump's $14 billion lawsuit over Epstein birthday letter dismissed

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

• Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
• Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
• Sign up to our breaking newsletter here