Woman Accuses Rep. Swalwell of Rape and Choking

Lonna Drewes says she was drugged, assaulted, and feared for her life in 2018 encounter

Apr. 14, 2026 at 7:35pm

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A dimly lit hotel room interior with a single bed in the center, the room bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the private setting of the alleged assault.The private hotel room setting where a woman alleges a sitting congressman committed a violent sexual assault raises troubling questions about power dynamics and accountability in politics.Beverly Hills Today

A woman named Lonna Drewes held a press conference with her attorneys in Beverly Hills, California, alleging that Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) drugged, raped, and choked her in 2018 to the point where she lost consciousness and thought she died. Drewes said she was working as a model and owned a fashion software company when she met Swalwell socially, and he offered connections to further her business. She claims the assault occurred during a third meeting in Swalwell's hotel room.

Why it matters

This is the fifth woman to come forward with sexual assault allegations against Swalwell, raising serious questions about his conduct and judgment. The mounting accusations have led Swalwell to announce his intention to resign from Congress, though he denies the 'serious, false allegation' against him.

The details

Drewes said she met Swalwell socially and he offered to help her software company. She claims that on a third occasion, Swalwell drugged her drink, and when she was incapacitated in his hotel room, he raped and choked her until she lost consciousness. Drewes said she did not consent to any sexual activity, and while she did not undergo a rape kit, she disclosed the assault to those close to her and documented it in her calendar. The San Francisco Chronicle reports a common theme in the allegations against Swalwell is accusers finding themselves in his hotel room without remembering how they got there.

  • In 2018, Drewes alleges the assault occurred in Swalwell's hotel room.

The players

Lonna Drewes

A woman who has accused Rep. Eric Swalwell of drugging, raping, and choking her in 2018 when she was working as a model and owned a fashion software company.

Rep. Eric Swalwell

A Democratic congressman from California who has been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women, including Lonna Drewes.

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What they’re saying

“I had contact with Eric Swalwell on three separate occasions. After meeting him socially, he offered me connections to further my software company, and I also had an interest in local politics.”

— Lonna Drewes, Accuser

“On the third occasion, I believe he drugged my drink. I only had one glass of wine. When I arrived at his hotel room, I was already incapacitated, and I couldn't move my arms or my body. He raped me, and he choked me, and while he was choking me, I lost consciousness, and I thought I died.”

— Lonna Drewes, Accuser

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

— Rep. Eric Swalwell

What’s next

Swalwell has announced his intention to resign from Congress, but it remains to be seen how the allegations against him will be further investigated and addressed.

The takeaway

These disturbing allegations against a sitting congressman highlight the ongoing issue of sexual misconduct in politics and the need for thorough investigations and accountability, regardless of party affiliation.