Disgraced ex-congressman Eric Swalwell stays out of sight after sexual assault allegations

Swalwell resigns from Congress and goes into hiding after being accused of sexual assault by multiple women

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:56am

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A conceptual abstract painting featuring a distorted, fragmented face in muted tones, conveying a sense of political scandal and disgrace.The sudden downfall of a once-rising political star exposes the fragility of power in the face of serious allegations.Pleasanton Today

Former U.S. Congressman Eric Swalwell has retreated from public view after being hit with multiple allegations of sexual assault, issuing denials on social media but avoiding the limelight since resigning from Congress. Swalwell was recently booted from a billionaire's mansion where he had been staying, and his Washington, D.C. office has been abandoned with mail piling up as staff resign. The disgraced former lawmaker has not responded to requests for comment.

Why it matters

The allegations against Swalwell, a rising Democratic star, have rocked the political landscape and raised questions about accountability for powerful figures accused of sexual misconduct. His sudden disappearance from public view underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential fallout for his political career.

The details

Swalwell was accused of sexually assaulting multiple women, including a former staffer and a woman named Lonna Drewes who claimed he raped her in a West Hollywood hotel. He has denied the allegations, calling them a 'political hit job.' After the initial accusations surfaced, Swalwell was seen being booted from billionaire Stephen Cloobeck's mansion, where he had been staying. Swalwell's Washington, D.C. office has been abandoned, with mail piling up as staff resign.

  • On Friday, Swalwell was first accused of sexually assaulting a former staffer.
  • On Sunday, Swalwell was seen being booted from billionaire Stephen Cloobeck's mansion.
  • On Tuesday, Swalwell officially resigned from the House of Representatives.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A former U.S. Congressman who has been accused of sexually assaulting multiple women, leading to his resignation from Congress.

Lonna Drewes

A woman who has accused Swalwell of raping her in a West Hollywood hotel.

Stephen Cloobeck

A billionaire whose mansion Swalwell was staying at before being booted out.

Sara Azari

Swalwell's attorney, who has issued statements defending him against the allegations.

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What they’re saying

“The allegations against me are flat out false.”

— Eric Swalwell, Former U.S. Congressman

“This is a political hit job.”

— Eric Swalwell, Former U.S. Congressman

The takeaway

The sudden downfall of Eric Swalwell, a once-rising Democratic star, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of allegations of sexual misconduct, even for powerful political figures. The lack of Swalwell's public response and his retreat from view raise further questions about the validity of the claims against him and the future of his political career.