A woman publicly accused former Congressman Eric Swalwell of drugging and raping her.
At 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 different occasions.
She said Swalwell took her to his West Hollywood hotel room after one of the meetings to pick up paperwork, adding, “I think he spiked my drink. I just had one glass of wine.”
She says he was barely conscious when he got to her room. Drewes said: “He raped me and strangled me, and as he strangled me, I lost consciousness. I thought I had died. I did not consent to any sexual activity.”
The woman continued: “It had a profound impact 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 on her personal calendar.
He said he remained silent for years out of fear of Swalwell’s political power and legal record.
The woman also announced plans to run for city council herself.
Drewes is the second woman to accuse Swalwell of sexual abuse in recent days.
Previously, allegations from a former aide forced the congressman to resign and led the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office to open an investigation into those allegations.
