Lonna Drewes Accuses Eric Swalwell of Sexual Assault and Rape

Lonna Drewes, a model and fashion technology professional, has accused former California congressman Eric Swalwell of drugging and raping her in 2018. The allegations were detailed during a press conference held on April 14, 2026, as the former politician faces a broader sexual misconduct scandal.

Drewes stated that she had met Swalwell three times while she was growing her fashion software company and considering a potential political career. She alleged that during their third meeting, Swalwell promised to take her to a political event but first stopped at his hotel room in West Hollywood to retrieve paperwork.

According to Drewes, she believes Swalwell drugged her glass of wine, leaving her incapacitated after a single drink. She claimed that once inside the hotel room, she was unable to move her body or arms.

He raped me and he choked me and while he was choking me, I lost consciousness and I thought I died. I did not consent to any sexual activity.

Lonna Drewes

Drewes told reporters that she did not undergo a rape kit following the incident but did disclose the assault to individuals close to her and attended therapy sessions at a sexual assault center in Connecticut. She explained that she delayed coming forward due to fears regarding Swalwell’s political power, his background as an attorney, and his family’s ties to law enforcement.

Legal Investigation and Official Responses

Following the press conference on April 14, 2026, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that its Special Victims Bureau is investigating the claims. Authorities stated that the investigation is currently in its preliminary stages.

Swalwell has denied the allegations. His attorney, Sara Azari, issued a statement on April 14, 2026, asserting that the former congressman categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled against him.

Broader Pattern of Allegations

Drewes is the most recent woman to accuse Swalwell of misconduct. The scandal began earlier in April 2026, when an anonymous former staffer claimed she was raped and harassed by the congressman.

Following that initial report, three other women came forward with allegations of unwanted touching and harassment. Among them was Ally Sammarco, who alleged that Swalwell sent her very inappropriate messages via Snapchat after offering to share her resume with other congressional offices.

In an initial response to the staffer’s claims, Swalwell described the allegations as false and suggested they were timed to influence an election for governor of California.

Resignation from Congress

Amid the mounting accusations and the threat of an expulsion vote, Eric Swalwell formally resigned from his seat in Congress, effective at 2 p.m. ET on April 14, 2026. He also suspended his campaign for governor of California.

In a statement shared via X on April 13, 2026, Swalwell expressed regret for certain actions while maintaining his innocence regarding the assault claims.

I am deeply sorry to my family, staff and constituents for mistakes in judgement I’ve made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.

Eric Swalwell

Swalwell argued that expelling a member of Congress without due process within days of an allegation was wrong, but stated that his resignation was necessary to ensure his constituents were not distracted from their needs.