Eric Swalwell Resigns From Congress Amid Multiple Sexual Assault Allegations

Eric Swalwell's political career unraveled in just four days as multiple women came forward with allegations of sexual assault.

“At a press conference in Beverly Hills, Lonna Drewes told a harrowing story of allegedly being drugged, raped and choked by the soon-to-be former congressman in 2018”

6abc Philadelphia

Lonna Drewes accused him of drugging, choking, and raping her in 2018.

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The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN first reported the staffer's claims that Swalwell raped her twice when she was 21 and too intoxicated to consent.

Three other women told CNN that Swalwell made unwanted advances, including sending unsolicited nude photos via Snapchat.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department opened an investigation into Drewes' allegation.

Swalwell initially called the allegations flat false but then shifted tone, apologizing for mistakes in judgment.

Swalwell's resignation triggered a cascade of investigations across multiple jurisdictions.

The House Ethics Committee's investigation was expected to halt upon his departure.

ABC

Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales also resigned amid a separate sexual misconduct controversy.

Kalshi traders placed a 91% chance that Swalwell would leave Congress before May 1.

The rapid political collapse left the East Bay without representation.

More than 50 former staffers signed a letter demanding accountability.

High-profile endorsements evaporated, including from Rep. Jimmy Gomez and Rep. Adam Gray.

The California Labor Federation withdrew support.

The governor's race shifted as Katie Porter and Tom Steyer emerged.

The East Bay Insiders newsletter reflected on Swalwell's meteoric rise and fall.

The case raised broader questions about due process and political accountability.

The presumption of innocence remains a foundational principle in American legal system.

ABC7 San Francisco

Attorney Lisa Bloom called Swalwell's denials blather.

Drug-facilitated rape and choking fall squarely under California’s serious sex crime laws.

The rapid unraveling exposed deep fissures within the Democratic Party.