Former Rep. Swalwell Faces New Sexual Assault Allegations

A woman accuses the ex-congressman of drugging, raping and choking her in 2018

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:36am

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A dimly lit hotel room with warm sunlight streaming in through the window, casting long shadows across an empty chair and table, creating a somber, contemplative mood.The quiet, cinematic setting of an empty hotel room evokes the isolation and vulnerability experienced by victims of sexual assault.Beverly Hills Today

A day after former Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., announced his resignation from Congress while facing sexual assault and misconduct allegations, a woman named Lonna Drewes came forward to accuse him of another sexual assault in 2018. Drewes said Swalwell drugged, raped and choked her until she lost consciousness while they were in a California hotel room.

Why it matters

The new allegations against Swalwell come after multiple previous accusations of sexual assault, leading to his resignation from Congress and withdrawal from the California governor's race. The case highlights ongoing concerns about misconduct by elected officials and the challenges victims face in coming forward against powerful figures.

The details

Drewes said the alleged attack occurred on her third meeting with Swalwell, after he had previously offered her resources for her software company. She claims Swalwell took her to his hotel room, drugged her drink, and then sexually assaulted her. Drewes did not report the incident at the time due to fear of Swalwell's political power and law enforcement connections.

  • The alleged incident occurred in 2018.
  • Drewes came forward with the accusation on April 14, 2026, a day after Swalwell announced his resignation from Congress.

The players

Lonna Drewes

A woman from Beverly Hills, California, who has accused former Rep. Eric Swalwell of sexually assaulting her in 2018.

Eric Swalwell

A former Democratic congressman from California who has faced multiple allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, leading to his resignation from Congress and withdrawal from the California governor's race.

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What they’re saying

“I thought I died.”

— Lonna Drewes

“I stand with the other women who've come forward.”

— Lonna Drewes

What’s next

Drewes and her attorneys said they will be filing a police report and cooperating with law enforcement regarding the alleged incident.

The takeaway

The new allegations against Swalwell underscore the ongoing challenges in addressing sexual misconduct by powerful figures, as well as the difficulties victims face in coming forward, especially against elected officials. This case raises further questions about accountability and the need for stronger measures to prevent and address such abuses of power.