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By Hollie Silverman, Gabe Whisnant, and Joshua Rhett Miller
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Lonna Drewes of California said during a news conference Tuesday that she was drugged and sexually assaulted by California Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell in 2018, making the allegation public for the first time.
Drewes is now the fifth woman to accuse the former Democratic congressman and gubernatorial front-runner of some form of sexual assault.
Swalwell announced Monday his plan to resign from Congress after multiple sexual assault allegations.
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Swalwell, 45, declined to comment when reached via phone Tuesday afternoon. "I have no comment on anything — period — and I’m going to hang up now,” he told Newsweek during a brief interview.
Swalwell has previously denied all accusations of sexual misconduct, posting on social media, "I will fight the serious false allegation made against me."
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What to Know
Drewes told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday that she met Swalwell socially in 2018 while working as a model and running a software company. She said he offered to help her make business and political connections and referred to him as a "friend" at that time.
According to her statement, on their third meeting, she had “one glass of wine” before becoming incapacitated. She said Swalwell took her to his hotel room under the pretext of retrieving paperwork, where she alleges he raped and choked her until she lost consciousness.
“We were supposed to go to a political event, and he said he needed to get paperwork from his hotel room. When I arrived at his hotel room, I was already incapacitated and I couldn't move my arms over my body, " she explained.
"He raped me. And he choked me. And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness. And I thought I died," Drewes said, noting, "I did not consent to any sexual activity."
Drewes explained that she did not initially report the incident because she feared Swalwell’s political influence, legal background, and law‑enforcement ties. “My delay in taking action… was driven by fear, not doubt,” she said.
Attorneys Lisa Bloom and her law partner Eric Podolsky, who are representing Drewes, said they will file a police report and turn over text messages, journal entries, photographs, and witness information. They emphasized that they do not view the case through a partisan lens.
"This is not about whether you're on the right side or the left side of the aisle. This is about whether you're on the right side or the left side of justice, truth and accountability," Podolsky said.
Bloom said that she has received reach-outs from three other alleged victims of Swalwell since the announcement yesterday.
Bloom said her client will file a formal report with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, which has jurisdiction over the alleged incident in West Hollywood on Tuesday, following the press conference.
She also said they will cooperate with any ongoing investigations, including the one already opened by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
Law enforcement agencies have not yet commented on next steps, and Swalwell has not issued a new statement responding to the new allegations.
What Happens Next for Eric Swalwell
The new allegation adds to scrutiny already facing Eric Swalwell, who has announced plans to resign from Congress while denying all accusations, calling earlier claims “false” and saying he had made unspecified “mistakes in judgment” in his personal life.
The House Ethics Committee investigation is expected to continue as lawmakers weigh possible next steps, including a potential expulsion vote. Swalwell may respond publicly to the latest claim, while Drewes’ allegation could also prompt further legal or congressional review as the case develops.
Update 4/14/26 2:08 p.m. ET This story has been updated with more information.
Update 4/14/26 3:09 p.m. ET This story has been updated with more information.
Update 4/15/26 11:21 a.m. ET This story has been updated with more information.
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