Another Woman Accuses Congressman Eric Swalwell of Sexual Assault

U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress on April 14, 2026 and withdrew his candidacy for the governor of California following a series of sexual assault and misconduct allegations from multiple women. The resignation occurred as the House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into the lawmaker’s conduct.

The latest accusations were brought forward by Lonna Drewes, who alleged that Swalwell drugged and raped her in a hotel room in 2018. Drewes stated that she had been reluctant to come forward previously due to Swalwell’s political power. According to Drewes, she met Swalwell while working as a model in Beverly Hills, California, and initially viewed the congressman as a friend.

Drewes described an incident during their third meeting, during which she alleged Swalwell told her he needed to return to his hotel room for a forgotten item. Once in the room, Drewes claimed she was unable to move, leading her to believe she had been drugged after having only one glass of wine. She alleged that Swalwell choked and raped her during the encounter.

While he was choking me I lost consciousness and I thought I died. I did not consent to any sexual activity.

Lonna Drewes

Other allegations of sexual violence were detailed in a report by CNN. A former staff member of the congressman alleged that Swalwell raped her in 2024, after she had ceased working in his office. The woman claimed she was heavily intoxicated during the incident and was left bruised and bleeding.

I was pushing him off of me, saying no. He didn’t stop.

Former staffer of Rep. Eric Swalwell

The former staffer further alleged that this was the second instance of nonconsensual sexual contact with Swalwell. She claimed that in 2019, while she was still employed by him, she woke up naked with him in a hotel room following a night of heavy drinking, stating she had no memory of the events but could physically feel that sexual contact had occurred.

Additional Misconduct Allegations

Beyond the allegations of rape, several other women have accused Swalwell of various forms of sexual misconduct. One woman, who connected with the congressman online through a shared interest in Democratic politics, alleged that Swalwell kissed her and touched her leg without her consent at a bar. She further claimed she became extremely drunk in his hotel room later that night and has little memory of what occurred.

Social media creator Ally Sammarco also described receiving unsolicited nude photos and explicit messages from the congressman. Sammarco stated that she had initially contacted Swalwell via Twitter to discuss political matters.

Attorney Lisa Bloom, representing Lonna Drewes, characterized Swalwell’s previous public responses to these accusations—which included an apology to his wife while denying the claims—as blather and spin.

Defense and Official Response

Eric Swalwell has strongly denied all allegations of sexual misconduct. His attorney, Sara Azari, issued a statement asserting that the claims are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive.

These accusations are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive – a calculated and transparent political hit job. The timing, nature, and coordinated rollout of these vile and heinous allegations speak for themselves. This represents neither about justice, nor the truth.

Sara Azari, attorney for Eric Swalwell

The resignation follows a period of mounting pressure that began around April 10, 2026, when initial reports of misconduct surfaced. The House Ethics Committee’s investigation into these matters remains active as the former lawmaker exits public office and his bid for the California governorship.