Rep. Eric Swalwell Resigns Amid New Sexual Assault Allegation

Swalwell faces growing controversy over misconduct claims from multiple women

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:00pm by

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A dimly lit, empty government office or legislative chamber with warm, diagonal sunlight streaming through the windows, creating a sense of tension and unease through the use of dramatic lighting and shadows.The resignation of Rep. Eric Swalwell amid sexual assault allegations casts a somber shadow over the halls of Congress.San Francisco Today

A new allegation of sexual assault has emerged against Rep. Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat, just days after he announced his resignation from Congress. The latest accuser, Lonna Drewes, publicly accused Swalwell of drugging, assaulting, and choking her during a 2018 encounter. Swalwell had previously faced other misconduct allegations from multiple women, leading to growing bipartisan calls for his removal from office. The House Ethics Committee has opened an investigation, but Swalwell plans to resign before it concludes.

Why it matters

The allegations against Swalwell have sparked a major political scandal, raising questions about accountability for elected officials accused of sexual misconduct. His resignation will shift the balance of power in the House, reducing Democrats' numbers as Republicans gain ground. The case also highlights the challenges of addressing sexual assault claims, especially when they involve high-profile figures.

The details

Lonna Drewes publicly accused Swalwell of drugging, assaulting, and choking her during a 2018 encounter at a hotel in California. Drewes said Swalwell had previously offered to help her expand her software business and invited her to attend a political event, but instead brought her to his hotel room under the pretense of retrieving paperwork. Drewes claimed she believes Swalwell drugged her drink and that she was already incapacitated when she arrived at his hotel room. She alleged that Swalwell then raped and choked her, causing her to lose consciousness. Drewes did not immediately report the alleged assault to authorities, but said she confided in close contacts, documented the incident, and later discussed it during therapy sessions.

  • The alleged assault occurred in 2018.
  • Drewes publicly accused Swalwell on April 15, 2026.
  • Swalwell announced his resignation from Congress on April 14, 2026, a day before Drewes' allegations surfaced.

The players

Rep. Eric Swalwell

A California Democrat who has faced growing controversy over multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, leading to his resignation from Congress.

Lonna Drewes

A woman who publicly accused Swalwell of drugging, assaulting, and choking her during a 2018 encounter at a hotel in California.

Lisa Bloom

Drewes' attorney, who confirmed they intend to file a report with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and that Drewes is prepared to cooperate fully with investigators.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna

A Republican congresswoman who had been preparing to push for an expulsion vote against Swalwell if he did not step down.

Gavin Newsom

The governor of California, who will decide whether to call a special election to fill Swalwell's seat or leave the position unfilled until the next election.

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What they’re saying

“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

“I would never have engaged in a consensual sexual encounter with Eric Swalwell.”

— Lonna Drewes

“I am aware of efforts to bring an immediate expulsion vote against me and other members. Expelling anyone in Congress without due process, within days of an allegation being made, is wrong. But it's also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress.”

— Rep. Eric Swalwell

“He made the correct decision, but there still needs to be a full-fledged criminal investigation.”

— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna

What’s next

The House Ethics Committee has confirmed it has opened an investigation into the accusations against Swalwell, though that inquiry will end once he officially leaves office. Lonna Drewes and her attorney, Lisa Bloom, have stated they intend to file a report with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, and Drewes is prepared to cooperate fully with investigators. California Governor Gavin Newsom will also need to decide whether to call a special election to fill Swalwell's seat or leave the position unfilled until the next election.

The takeaway

The allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell have sparked a major political scandal, raising questions about accountability for elected officials accused of sexual misconduct. His resignation will shift the balance of power in the House, but the case also highlights the challenges of addressing such claims, especially when they involve high-profile figures. The ongoing investigations and the decision on how to fill Swalwell's seat will be closely watched as the fallout from this scandal continues to unfold.