In a development that continues to embroil California Congressman Eric Swalwell in controversy, a fifth accuser has come forward with allegations of sexual assault. This time, Lonna Drewes has stepped into the spotlight, claiming that Swalwell drugged and raped her in 2018 following the launch of a restaurant.
During a press conference held in Beverly Hills, Drewes, accompanied by her legal team, recounted the disturbing events. She alleged that Swalwell not only raped her but also choked her to the point where she lost consciousness, stating, “While he was choking me, I lost consciousness. I thought I died.”
These allegations emerge amidst news of Swalwell’s impending resignation from Congress, a move that has not curbed the influx of accusations against him. Critics argue that his departure appears more a strategy to evade accountability than a genuine attempt to address the accusations.
Lisa Bloom, Drewes’s attorney, expressed skepticism regarding Swalwell’s resignation, suggesting it serves as a means to escape scrutiny. “Once he steps down, the Ethics Committee no longer has jurisdiction to impose consequences on him,” Bloom explained to reporters, emphasizing the potential implications of his resignation on ongoing investigations.
In fact, Drewes’s attorney, Lisa Bloom, told reporters that Swalwell’s forthcoming resignation appeared to be a way to shirk responsibility rather than an ‘act of accountability.’
‘Once he steps down, the Ethics Committee no longer has jurisdiction to impose consequences on him,’ Bloom stated.
The US House Ethics Committee announced an investigation into Swalwell on Monday afternoon.
Another alleged victim spoke publicly with CBS in an interview that aired Tuesday morning, accusing Swalwell of disturbing acts.
Lonna Drewes reacts during a press conference alleging US Representative Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat sexually assaulted her alongside a photo of Drewes with Swalwell (R) on April 14, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California
Lonna Drewes speaks during a press conference alleging U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) sexually assaulted her on April 14, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California
Eric Swalwell speaks during the California Democratic Convention in San Francisco, on February 21
Lonna Drewes (L) speaks during a press conference alleging Swalwell sexually assaulted her alongside attorney Lisa Bloom on April 14, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California
Eric Swalwell and his wife Brittany Watts attend the CORE Gala in 2022
At least five women have now accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including rape, sexual assault, and unsolicited messages and photos.
Annika Albrecht, the Swalwell accuser who came forward Tuesday morning, told CBS that, ‘For me, justice won’t be until he can’t ever harm a woman ever again, and he has faced the consequences for the women that he has harmed.’
Albrecht said she too had been invited to meet Swalwell in a hotel room — adding it was ‘very clear what the connotation was.’ She now finds herself thinking about ‘how lucky I am that I didn’t go to that hotel.’
Swalwell announced on Monday that he will resign his Congressional seat after being engulfed by explosive sexual assault and misconduct allegations. The Democrat – who suspended his run for California governor on Sunday – apologized to his family and staff, but insisted the claims are false.
Pressure had been mounting since Friday, when the San Francisco Chronicle published a bombshell report in which multiple women accused him of misconduct.
A former staffer told CNN over the weekend that Swalwell raped her while she was drunk – and that despite her attempts to push him away during the encounter, ‘He didn’t stop.’
Two Swalwell accusers and an influencer who helped get their story out spoke with CBS News in an interview that aired on April 14
Swalwell accuser Ally Sammarco in her CBS interview
He has denied the allegations and vowed to fight them – but over the weekend, his political career went into freefall.
In a statement Monday afternoon, Swalwell confirmed he would step down from the House of Representatives but gave no date for his departure.
‘I am deeply sorry to my family, staff and constituents for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility for the mistakes I did make,’ he said.
He added that he was aware of efforts to force an immediate expulsion vote, warning that removing a lawmaker without due process ‘within days of an allegation being made’ would be wrong.
Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna vowed on Tuesday to press ahead with her resolution calling for his expulsion. ‘His statement about his ‘plan to resign his seat’ is not binding and is wormy,’ she said.
Luna had warned on X on Monday afternoon that she was ‘being told there will be more disgusting stuff coming out on Swalwell in the next 24 hours.’
She added: ‘For the members of Congress who are concerned about optics on expelling Swalwell, I think after the information drops you will be thinking otherwise. Eric, why don’t you tell us a little about who was filming the video of the female sex worker.’
A video of Swalwell and a woman in bed – with at least two other individuals apparently present – circulated on X on Monday. Swalwell is married to Brittany Watts, his wife of nine years, and the couple have three young children.
Swalwell is not the only member of Congress set to leave his post, as Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales announced his intention to step down from office on Monday after the Daily Mail exposed a sex scandal involving his staffer, who eventually set herself on fire.
Gonzales, a Republican who previously dropped his bid for reelection, wrote on X: ‘There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all’ before announcing his departure.
‘When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office,’ he said, adding, ‘It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas.’
He had an affair with married aide Regina Aviles and initially denied it until fessing up to their relationship last month. She took her own life in September last year.
Gonzales called his relationship a ‘mistake’ and a ‘lapse in judgment.’ Last month, he added: ‘I take full responsibility for those actions. Since then, I have reconciled with my wife, Angel. I’ve asked God to forgive me, which he has. And my faith is as strong as ever.’
Luna and Democratic Women’s Caucus chairman Teresa Leger Fernandez of New Mexico had both called for Swalwell and Gonzales to resign or face an expulsion vote.
