Swalwell Accused of Misusing Donor Funds for Hotel Stays Linked to Alleged Rapes

Campaign finance records show the former congressman charged hundreds of thousands in hotel expenses, including rooms where two women claim they were assaulted.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:37pm

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A dimly lit hotel room interior with a single chair and a partially visible bed, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and unease through the use of warm, diagonal lighting and deep shadows.The hotel rooms where Swalwell allegedly assaulted women have become a troubling symbol of the abuse of power and donor trust.NYC Today

Former U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell is facing allegations that he misused over $500,000 in donor funds to cover hotel expenses, some of which were linked to locations where he allegedly sexually assaulted two women. Campaign finance records reviewed by The California Post reveal Swalwell charged his congressional campaign for stays at luxury hotels across the U.S. and Mexico, including the Montrose Hotel in West Hollywood where one woman claims she was raped in 2018, and the Times Square Edition in New York City, near where another woman says she was assaulted in 2024. The Department of Justice has opened an investigation into Swalwell's activities.

Why it matters

These allegations against a former member of Congress raise serious concerns about the misuse of donor funds and the potential abuse of power. If true, it would represent a significant breach of public trust and could have broader implications for campaign finance laws and accountability for elected officials.

The details

According to the campaign finance records, Swalwell racked up close to $36,500 in hotel expenses over the last 12 months, with 70 different charges in the U.S. and Mexico. This includes $4,300 spent at the Intercontinental Mexico City, $1,095.52 at the Times Square Edition in New York City, and a charge for a room at the Montrose Hotel in West Hollywood on the same date a woman claims she was raped by Swalwell in 2018.

  • On July 18, 2018, Swalwell charged his campaign for a room at the Montrose Hotel in West Hollywood, the same date a woman reported being raped by Swalwell in that location.
  • In February 2024, Swalwell made two separate payments of $1,095.52 for rooms at the Times Square Edition in New York City, just months before another woman claims she was assaulted by Swalwell after attending an event with him nearby.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A former U.S. Representative who is accused of misusing over $500,000 in donor funds to cover hotel expenses, some of which were linked to locations where he allegedly sexually assaulted two women.

Lonna Drewes

A 50-year-old model who publicly accused Swalwell of sexually assaulting her during a 2018 encounter inside a West Hollywood hotel room.

Nathan Hochman

The Los Angeles County District Attorney who announced his office has assigned a prosecuting attorney to aid in the criminal investigation of the alleged incident involving Lonna Drewes.

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What they’re saying

“When I arrived at his hotel room, I was already incapacitated, and I couldn't move my arms over my body. He raped me, and he choked me. And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness. I thought I died.”

— Lonna Drewes, Model

What’s next

The Department of Justice investigation into Swalwell's activities is ongoing, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office is aiding in the criminal probe of the alleged 2018 incident.

The takeaway

These allegations against a former member of Congress highlight the need for greater oversight and accountability when it comes to the use of campaign funds. If true, Swalwell's actions would represent a serious breach of the public's trust and could have broader implications for campaign finance laws and the behavior of elected officials.