A new allegation has emerged against Rep. Eric Swalwell, adding to the growing controversy surrounding the California Democrat. Previous reports by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN detailed other accusations from multiple women against Swalwell, with one former staffer alleging he assaulted her twice while she was too intoxicated to consent. Others accused him of inappropriate behavior, including sending unsolicited explicit material or engaging in non-consensual contact.
On Tuesday, Lonna Drewes publicly accused the congressman of drugging, assaulting, and choking her during a 2018 encounter at a hotel in California. Speaking at a press conference alongside her legal team, Drewes described how what began as a professional connection escalated into an alleged attack. Drewes said her decision to speak out now was partly motivated by others who have shared their stories, explaining she wanted to “stand with the other women who have come forward.”
Drewes said Swalwell had previously offered to help her expand her software business and invited her to attend a political event. Instead, she claims, he brought her to his hotel room under the pretense of retrieving paperwork. “I believe he drugged my drink. I only had one glass of wine,” Drewes said. “When I arrived at his hotel room, I was already incapacitated, and I couldn’t move my arms or my body.” She went on to say, “He raped me and he choked me,” adding, “And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness and I thought I died.” Drewes stated she had met Swalwell twice before, describing those earlier interactions as friendly. She emphasized that the encounter was not consensual, saying, “I would never have engaged in a consensual sexual encounter with Eric Swalwell.”
She did not immediately report the alleged assault to authorities or undergo a forensic exam, but said she confided in close contacts, documented the incident in a personal calendar, and later discussed it during therapy sessions at a sexual assault center in Connecticut. Her attorney, Lisa Bloom, confirmed that they intend to file a report with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and that Drewes is prepared to cooperate fully with investigators.
Swalwell had announced Monday that he intends to resign from Congress following the mounting sexual misconduct allegations and growing bipartisan calls for his removal, with his decision coming just one day after he halted his campaign for governor of California. In a statement posted on X, Swalwell apologized to those close to him while defending himself against key claims, writing, “I will fight the serious, false allegations made against me.” He also addressed efforts to force his removal, stating, “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.”
The House Ethics Committee confirmed it had opened an investigation into the accusations, though that inquiry will end once Swalwell officially leaves office. Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna had been preparing to push for an expulsion vote if he did not step down, later saying, “He made the correct decision, but there still needs to be a full-fledged criminal investigation.”
Swalwell’s resignation shifts the balance in the House, reducing Democrats’ numbers as Republicans gain ground, including the anticipated swearing-in of a new member. The timing of Swalwell’s departure remains unclear, as he must formally submit his resignation to House leadership. Under California law, Gavin Newsom will decide whether to call a special election to fill the seat. Because the vacancy comes late in the term and after the candidate filing deadline, he may also opt to leave the position unfilled until the next election.
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