A fifth woman accuses California Rep. Eric Swalwell of drugging her drink, raping her, and choking her unconscious during a 2018 restaurant opening.
Lonna Drewes Details Allegations
Lonna Drewes presented her claims at a Beverly Hills press conference with her attorneys. She described losing consciousness from the choking, saying, “While he was choking me, I lost consciousness. I thought I died.”
Attorney Lisa Bloom called Swalwell’s planned resignation an evasion tactic. “Once he steps down, the Ethics Committee no longer has jurisdiction to impose consequences on him,” Bloom stated.
Ethics Committee Probe
The U.S. House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into Swalwell on Monday.
Multiple Accusations Emerge
Five women now allege sexual misconduct by Swalwell, including rape, assault, unsolicited messages, and photos.
Annika Albrecht shared her story publicly Tuesday, stating, “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.” She recalled a hotel room invitation from Swalwell with clear sexual intent and expressed relief at declining.
A former staffer stated Swalwell raped her while drunk, continuing despite her resistance.
Swalwell Announces Resignation
Swalwell revealed Monday his intent to resign from Congress after suspending his California governor campaign Sunday. He apologized to family and staff but denied the allegations.
“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 in a statement.
He warned against expulsion without due process shortly after allegations surfaced.
Growing Calls for Expulsion
Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna vows to advance an expulsion resolution. “His statement about his ‘plan to resign his seat’ is not binding and is wormy,” she declared on X.
Luna anticipated further disclosures, referencing a video circulating on X showing Swalwell in bed with a woman and others present. She questioned, “Eric, why don’t you tell us a little about who was filming the video of the female sex worker.”
Swalwell, married to Brittany Watts for nine years, has three young children.
Companion Congressional Exit
Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales also announced retirement Monday amid a staffer sex scandal. The aide, Regina Aviles, died by self-immolation last September after their affair surfaced.
Gonzales called it a “mistake” and “lapse in judgment,” stating he reconciled with wife Angel and renewed his faith. “When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office,” he posted on X.
Reps. Luna and Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernandez of New Mexico urged both lawmakers to resign or face expulsion votes.
