Another woman accused former Democratic California Rep. Eric Swalwell of drugging and raping her during a press briefing Tuesday, the day after he resigned from Congress.
Lonna Drewes gave a prepared statement in Beverly Hills, where she detailed allegations against Swalwell that she said took place during a professional mentorship in 2018. (RELATED: Eric Swalwell Dug His Own Grave, Now Fighting To Climb Out Of It)
Drewes, who at the time was a model and the owner of a fashion software company, said that Swalwell had offered her connections to further her software company and had invited her to two different public events.
“I knew he was married at the time and that his wife was pregnant. He was my friend,” Drewes said.
Drewes alleged that on the third time they went out, this time to a political event, she had been drugged by Swalwell because she wasn’t able to move after having a single glass of wine.
“When I arrived at that hotel room, I was already incapacitated,” Drewes said. “He raped me, and he choked me, and while he was choking me, I lost consciousness, and I thought I died.”
Drewes stated that she disclosed the assault to people close to her and recorded it in her calendar, which was shared later with a therapist at a sexual assault center. She did not use a rape kit at the time.
“It had a profound impact on my mental health. I self-medicated in an unhealthy way. I did not want to live anymore,” Drewes said. “I cried all the time for years.”
“I would have never engaged in a consensual encounter with Eric Swalwell,” Drewes said. “I was not interested in him romantically. But I was interested in the business relations and the professional connections he offered.”
Drewes noted she had been preparing to run for the City Council in Beverly Hills and that Swalwell had offered to make introductions in relation to her software firm.
Hear it directly from me. These allegations are flat false. And I will fight them. pic.twitter.com/bQSlCquD1U
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) April 11, 2026
She claimed that her delay in taking action was “driven by fear, not doubt,” noting Swalwell’s political power, his background as an attorney, and his family in law enforcement.
“I have never doubted what happened. I stand with the other women who have come forward,” Drewes said, adding that she will be making a statement with law enforcement shortly.
Swalwell suspended his run for governor of California on Sunday after multiple women released sexual misconduct allegations. He then resigned from his seat in the House on Monday after issuing an apology but denying the allegations.
“I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past,” Swalwell said in his statement. “I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me.” (RELATED: New York DA Opens Investigation Into Eric Swalwell Sex Assault Allegations)
Swalwell’s campaign team did not respond to the Daily Caller’s request for comment regarding the new allegations made by Drewes.
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