Swalwell sexual assault allegation prompts resignation

A new Swalwell sexual assault allegation surfaced Tuesday, as a California woman publicly accused Rep. Eric Swalwell of rape in 2018—adding to a wave of claims that has already forced the congressman to resign.

Lonna Drewes said during a press conference in Los Angeles that the alleged assault took place in a Southern California hotel. She stated she did not consent to any sexual activity and believes she was drugged before the incident.

The accusation comes just days after Swalwell withdrew from California’s governor’s race and announced he would step down from Congress. In a resignation letter read on the House floor, he acknowledged “mistakes in judgment” but denied the most serious allegations.

Through his attorney, Swalwell said he “categorically and unequivocally denies” all claims of sexual misconduct and intends to pursue legal action.

Drewes said she did not undergo a forensic exam at the time but documented the alleged assault in personal journals and shared details with people close to her. According to her legal team, those records—along with text messages and photographs—will be submitted to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

She also said she discussed the incident during therapy sessions at a sexual assault center.

The case adds to mounting scrutiny around Swalwell, who has faced multiple allegations in recent days. Other women have accused him of nonconsensual encounters, inappropriate messages, and sharing explicit images.

While Swalwell has denied the assault claims, he has acknowledged unspecified personal misconduct.

According to Drewes, she met Swalwell while working as a model and running a fashion software company. She said he offered professional connections and had shown interest in her involvement in politics.

On the night of the alleged assault, the two attended a restaurant opening and planned to go to a political event. Drewes said Swalwell suggested stopping at his hotel room beforehand. Once there, she began to feel physically impaired and unable to move.

She alleges the assault occurred shortly after.

The Swalwell sexual assault allegation is expected to move into a formal legal phase in the coming days, as Drewes prepares to file a report with law enforcement.

The outcome could have broader political implications, particularly as the situation continues to evolve and additional claims remain under scrutiny.