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Another woman accuses former California Congressman Eric Swalwell of sexual assault
Rep. Eric Swalwell speaks at a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 08, 2025.
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Topline:
Another woman came forward Tuesday to accuse former California Congressman Eric Swalwell of sexual assault. This comes after previous sexual misconduct allegations resulted in Swalwell ending his campaign for governor, and resigning from his seat in Congress.
The details: Model and fashion software entrepreneur Lonna Drewes said in a news conference that Swalwell offered to help her make connections to build her software company. But Drewes said on their third meeting in West Hollywood in 2018, she believes he drugged her glass of wine.
Her words: “When I arrived at his hotel room, I was already incapacitated, and I couldn't move my arms or my body,” Drewes said. “He raped me. He choked me, and while he was choking me, I lost consciousness, and I thought I died. I did not consent to any sexual activity.”
What’s next: Drewes’ attorney, Lisa Bloom, said they would be filing a report to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department immediately after the news conference. Bloom said they would turn over texts, journal entries, photographs and other corroborating evidence to aid with a criminal investigation.
Swalwell’s response: In a statement posted Tuesday on X, attorney Sara Azari said Swalwell "categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled against him."
The statement continues: " These accusations are false, fabricated and deeply offensive — a calculated and transparent political hit job designed to destroy the reputation of a man who has spent 20 years in public service."
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