Rep. Eric Swalwell Resigns Amid New Sexual Assault Allegation

The California Democrat faces mounting accusations from multiple women as he steps down from Congress.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:26am by

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government office space, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows covering the desks and chairs, conveying a sense of political uncertainty and unease.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. Lonna Drewes publicly accused Swalwell of drugging, assaulting, and choking her during a 2018 encounter, adding to the growing controversy surrounding the congressman. Swalwell had previously faced other accusations from multiple women, including a former staffer who alleged he assaulted her while she was intoxicated. The House Ethics Committee has opened an investigation, but that inquiry will end once Swalwell officially leaves office.

Why it matters

The allegations against Swalwell have sparked a political crisis, with growing bipartisan calls for his removal from Congress. His resignation shifts the balance of power in the House, reducing Democrats' numbers as Republicans gain ground. The case also raises broader questions about accountability for elected officials accused of sexual misconduct.

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 claims she was already incapacitated when she arrived, and 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.

  • On Tuesday, Lonna Drewes publicly accused Swalwell of the 2018 assault.
  • On Monday, Swalwell announced his intention to resign from Congress following the mounting sexual misconduct allegations.

The players

Rep. Eric Swalwell

A California Democrat who has faced growing controversy and calls for his removal from Congress amid multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.

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

The attorney representing Lonna Drewes, 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 will fight the serious, false allegations made against me.”

— Rep. Eric Swalwell

“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

Under California law, Governor Gavin Newsom will 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 Swalwell have sparked a political crisis, raising broader questions about accountability for elected officials accused of sexual misconduct. His resignation shifts the balance of power in the House, but the case also highlights the need for thorough investigations and due process in cases of alleged misconduct by public officials.