Eric Swalwell, the California Democrat and former congressional representative, is now facing a second sexual assault investigation as another woman has come forward with accusations. This development follows his recent resignation from Congress, which took effect Tuesday afternoon, just two days after he withdrew from the California governor’s race where he had been a leading contender. His political support and endorsements had rapidly diminished amid the growing scandal.
The latest accuser, Lonna Drewes, a former Beverly Hills model and software entrepreneur, is the fifth woman in recent days to allege sexual misconduct by Swalwell. Drewes held a news conference in Beverly Hills with her attorneys, where she tearfully recounted an incident from 2018. She claimed that Swalwell spiked her wine with an intoxicant that left her incapacitated, after which he allegedly raped her. Drewes, the assault occurred after she accompanied Swalwell to his hotel room under the pretense of retrieving paperwork for a political event. She described being unable to move and stated that Swalwell choked her during the assault, causing her to lose consciousness. Drewes emphasized that she did not consent to any sexual activity.
She also revealed that she and Swalwell had met socially before and that he had invited her to two public events, offering connections to advance her software company. Drewes was aware that Swalwell was married and that his wife was pregnant at the time. She explained that her delay in coming forward was due to fear of Swalwell’s political influence.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed it is investigating a sexual assault allegation against Swalwell related to a July 2018 incident at a West Hollywood business. No further details or the identity of the alleged victim were disclosed.
Earlier reports revealed that Swalwell ended his gubernatorial campaign after a former staff member accused him of two nonconsensual sexual encounters, including an alleged rape in 2024 at a New York City hotel. The woman said she was too intoxicated to consent on both occasions. The Manhattan district attorney’s office has confirmed it is investigating this case. Additionally, three other women have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including sending unsolicited explicit messages and photos.
Swalwell, first elected to Congress in 2012 and known for his frequent media appearances, issued an apology on social media for past judgment errors but denied all allegations of sexual misconduct and assault, labeling them politically motivated fabrications. His attorney described the accusations as a calculated political attack.
Swalwell’s resignation leaves a fragmented Democratic field in the California governor’s race, with billionaire Tom Steyer and former Representative Katie Porter leading the low-polling contenders. Governor Gavin Newsom, barred by term limits from running again, is nearing the end of his second term. Notably, no Republican has won a statewide election in California since 2006, but Swalwell’s exit may create an opening for Republican candidates, including Steve Hilton, who has President Donald Trump’s endorsement, to advance in the upcoming non-partisan top-two primary in June.
On Tuesday, Governor Newsom announced a special election for August 18 to temporarily fill Swalwell’s congressional seat in the San Francisco Bay area.
