A woman has publicly accused former congressman Eric Swalwell of drugging and raping her.
In a press conference on Tuesday, April 13, 2026, Lonna Drewes accused Eric Swalwell of rape and announced plans to file a police report with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Drewes described Swalwell as a former friend, adding that she met the former congressman on three separate occasions.
She said Swalwell took her to his West Hollywood hotel room after one of the meetings to collect paperwork, adding: “I think he spiked my drink. I only had one glass of wine.”
She says she was barely conscious when she reached his room. Drewes said: “He raped me and he choked me and while he was choking me I lost consciousness. I thought I was dying. I did not consent to any sexual activity.”
The woman continued: “It had a profound effect on my mental health. I didn’t want to live anymore.”
Drewes said she told people close to her about the sexual abuse and recorded the incident in her personal calendar.
She said she remained silent for years out of fear of Swalwell’s political power and legal background.
The woman also announced plans to run for city council herself.
Drewes is the second woman to make sexual accusations against Swalwell in recent days.
Earlier, allegations by a former aide forced the congressman to resign and prompted the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office to open an investigation into those allegations.
