So far, at least five women have accused former Representative Eric Swalwell of sexual misconduct and assault, including rape claims. He denies all allegations. Investigations, corroborating evidence, and political fallout have practically ended his career.



So far, at least five women have accused the now-former Representative Eric Swalwell of sexual misconduct and assault, including rape claims. He denies all allegations. Investigations, corroborating evidence, and political fallout have practically ended his career.&nbsp;

Eric Swalwell sordid sex abuse saga gets murkier as five women publicly accuse disgraced ex-Congressman who once led California governor race

Representative Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) officially resigned from Congress on Monday, as a fifth woman came forward on Tuesday (April 14) with serious allegations that the congressman drugged and raped her in 2018. The resignation marks a dramatic political downfall for the seven-term lawmaker, who just 48 hours earlier was considered a leading contender for Governor of California.&nbsp;At a Tuesday press conference in Beverly Hills, Lonna Drewes, a fashion software entrepreneur, described a violent encounter with Swalwell following their third meeting. “He raped me, and he choked me. And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness. I thought I had died,” Drewes said, flanked by attorney Lisa Bloom. Drewes said she delayed coming forward out of fear of Swalwell’s political influence and alleged law enforcement connections.<h2>Social media rumours spark investigation</h2>The case against the 45-year-old lawmaker first gained traction in early April 2026 through digital advocacy and social media. Influencers, most notably Cheyenne Hunt of the youth political group Gen Z for Change, began sharing anonymous accounts from women alleging a pattern of abusive behaviour.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-receives-call-from-trump-discusses-west-asia-stresses-open-and-secure-hormuz-in-40-minute-talks-1776182400804">PM Modi receives call from Trump, discusses West Asia, stresses open and secure Hormuz in 40-minute talks</a>&nbsp;This online momentum laid the groundwork for major investigative reports published on April 10 by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN, which brought the allegations into the mainstream. Those reports included claims from a former congressional staffer alleging two separate assaults, one in 2019 and another in New York in 2024, along with accounts from three other women who reported receiving unsolicited explicit content.<h2>Legal and political fallout</h2>While Swalwell has strongly denied the rape allegations, he acknowledged “mistakes in judgment” before suspending his gubernatorial campaign on Sunday. The crisis has triggered multiple legal challenges, including a Manhattan District Attorney’s probe into the 2024 incident and a newly opened investigation by the Department of Homeland Security into separate allegations of improper hiring practices.&nbsp;Although his resignation ends the jurisdiction of the House Ethics Committee, bipartisan calls for a public report continue. California Governor Gavin Newsom now has 14 days to announce a special election to fill the vacancy in the state’s 14th Congressional District.

The resignation marks a dramatic political downfall for the seven-term lawmaker, who just 48 hours earlier was considered a leading contender for Governor of California.

Representative Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) officially resigned from Congress on Monday, as a fifth woman came forward on Tuesday (April 14) with serious allegations that the congressman drugged and raped her in 2018. The resignation marks a dramatic political downfall for the seven-term lawmaker, who just 48 hours earlier was considered a leading contender for Governor of California. At a Tuesday press conference in Beverly Hills, Lonna Drewes, a fashion software entrepreneur, described a violent encounter with Swalwell following their third meeting. “He raped me, and he choked me. And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness. I thought I had died,” Drewes said, flanked by attorney Lisa Bloom. Drewes said she delayed coming forward out of fear of Swalwell’s political influence and alleged law enforcement connections. Social media rumours spark investigation The case against the 45-year-old lawmaker first gained traction in early April 2026 through digital advocacy and social media. Influencers, most notably Cheyenne Hunt of the youth political group Gen Z for Change, began sharing anonymous accounts from women alleging a pattern of abusive behaviour. Also Read: PM Modi receives call from Trump, discusses West Asia, stresses open and secure Hormuz in 40-minute talks This online momentum laid the groundwork for major investigative reports published on April 10 by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN, which brought the allegations into the mainstream. Those reports included claims from a former congressional staffer alleging two separate assaults, one in 2019 and another in New York in 2024, along with accounts from three other women who reported receiving unsolicited explicit content. Legal and political fallout While Swalwell has strongly denied the rape allegations, he acknowledged “mistakes in judgment” before suspending his gubernatorial campaign on Sunday. The crisis has triggered multiple legal challenges, including a Manhattan District Attorney’s probe into the 2024 incident and a newly opened investigation by the Department of Homeland Security into separate allegations of improper hiring practices. Although his resignation ends the jurisdiction of the House Ethics Committee, bipartisan calls for a public report continue. California Governor Gavin Newsom now has 14 days to announce a special election to fill the vacancy in the state’s 14th Congressional District.

The resignation marks a dramatic political downfall for the seven-term lawmaker, who just 48 hours earlier was considered a leading contender for Governor of California.

Fifth accuser comes forward after US Rep Eric Swalwell’s resignation, alleges drugging and rape

Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna said that Eric Swalwell could face jail time, citing a widely circulated video. In a series of posts, Paulina launched scathing attacks on the Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell from California. She claimed that there is more “disgusting stuff” that will come out. Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell, who has been accused of sexual assault by a former staffer and a viral video circulating online circulating online showing Swalwell kissing a woman other than his wife, has put him at the centre of the controversy on Capitol Hill. He has been accused of sexual assault by four women, leading to his withdrawal from the race for California’s governorship and resignation from the House of Representatives.&nbsp;“He made the correct decision, but there still needs to be a full-fledged criminal investigation. Based on what I’m hearing, he may go to jail,” said Anna Paulina. She further added that “I am being told there will be more disgusting stuff coming out.” Luna further expressed her belief, pointing to a video that she claims is forensic evidence, where a man resembling Swalwell is seemingly kissing a woman who is not Brittany Watts (Swalwell's wife). The video has not been independently verified by Wion.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-trump-iran-talks-daily-updates-backlash-1776167843566">Netanyahu says Trump administration briefs him daily on Iran negotiations</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Rape suspect congressman Swalwell KISSES alleged SEX WORKER He’s been married for decade Video by Martin Shkreli <a href="https://t.co/Vyy0IOtrtD">pic.twitter.com/Vyy0IOtrtD</a>&mdash; RT (@RT_com) <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_com/status/2043027613250207883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Who is Swalwell's wife, Brittany Watt? What was her reaction?</h2>Swalwell's wife, Brittany Ann Watt, is a hospitality professional and a small business owner who has been married to Swalwell since 2016. She worked as the director of sales for the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay, California, and now runs her own hospitality business. She has stayed away from Swalwell's life on Capitol Hill and has appeared occasionally at political events or in family photos shared by her husband. She has not made any public statement. However, recent reports indicate that Brittany has deleted her social media accounts to maintain privacy. Swalwell has publicly acknowledged "mistakes in judgment" and issued a deep apology to his wife for putting her in such a situation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Eric Swalwell faces mounting controversy as Anna Paulina Luna warns of possible jail time over allegations and viral video claims.

Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna said that Eric Swalwell could face jail time, citing a widely circulated video. In a series of posts, Paulina launched scathing attacks on the Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell from California. She claimed that there is more “disgusting stuff” that will come out. Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell, who has been accused of sexual assault by a former staffer and a viral video circulating online circulating online showing Swalwell kissing a woman other than his wife, has put him at the centre of the controversy on Capitol Hill. He has been accused of sexual assault by four women, leading to his withdrawal from the race for California’s governorship and resignation from the House of Representatives. “He made the correct decision, but there still needs to be a full-fledged criminal investigation. Based on what I’m hearing, he may go to jail,” said Anna Paulina. She further added that “I am being told there will be more disgusting stuff coming out.” Luna further expressed her belief, pointing to a video that she claims is forensic evidence, where a man resembling Swalwell is seemingly kissing a woman who is not Brittany Watts (Swalwell's wife). The video has not been independently verified by Wion. Also Read: Netanyahu says Trump administration briefs him daily on Iran negotiations

Eric Swalwell faces mounting controversy as Anna Paulina Luna warns of possible jail time over allegations and viral video claims.

Eric Swalwell controversy: Anna Paulina Luna alleges jailtime, wife Brittany Watt maintains silence

U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell said on Monday he will resign from the House of Representatives, bowing to pressure ‌from both Democrats and Republicans to leave Congress or face expulsion following sexual misconduct allegations that upended his campaign for governor.
The California Democrat vowed to fight the allegations but said he must also "take responsibility and ownership" of his mistakes.


US Representative Eric Swalwell Faces Calls To Resign From Congress

Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell said on Monday (April 13) that he plans to resign from Congress amid explosive allegations of sexual misconduct. The California Democrat’s announcement comes after growing pressure from both Democrats and Republicans for him to step down from his role in the House of Representatives. Swalwell had already suspended his California gubernatorial campaign, but calls for his resignation from Congress continued.&nbsp;“I am deeply sorry to my family, staff and constituents for mistakes in judgement I’ve made in my past,” Swalwell said in a statement posted to X. “I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.” Swalwell has repeatedly denied allegations of sexual assault in the past. He did not specify exactly when he intends to step down, saying instead that he would work with his staff to ensure they can “serve the needs of the good people of the 14th congressional district.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/JbKgSORgu4">pic.twitter.com/JbKgSORgu4</a>&mdash; Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepSwalwell/status/2043802702971359521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-fake-news-have-they-no-shame-trump-hits-out-at-new-york-times-over-iran-war-coverage-1776115749732">'FAKE NEWS! Have they no shame?': Trump hits out at New York Times over Iran war coverage</a>&nbsp;He referenced ongoing efforts to remove him from office in his statement. “I am aware of efforts to bring an immediate expulsion vote against other members and me. Expelling anyone in Congress without due process, within days of an allegation being made, is wrong. But it’s also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress.” He did not specify when his resignation would take effect.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-on-warpath-blocks-hormuz-iran-threatens-gulf-ports-1776100457432/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-on-warpath-blocks-hormuz-iran-threatens-gulf-ports-1776100457432/embed</a>&nbsp;Four women accused him last week of misconduct, including allegations ranging from sexual harassment to rape. The development comes as Congress launches an ethics inquiry into Swalwell, who was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2012, representing a district near San Francisco. The development comes one day after Swalwell suspended his bid for California governor and on the same day the House Ethics Committee announced it was launching a probe into the allegations against him.<h2>Tony Gonzales also to resign from Congress</h2>Representative Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican, announced on Monday that he will resign from Congress following mounting bipartisan criticism from House members over allegations that he had a coercive sexual relationship with a staff member who later died by suicide.&nbsp;Gonzales, a third-term congressman representing a border district spanning from San Antonio to El Paso, had already been facing a contentious primary race when text messages surfaced showing his pursuit of a female staff member. He had announced last month that he was withdrawing from the race. “There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all,” Mr. Gonzales said in a social media post on Monday. “When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office.”

Eric Swalwell says he will resign from Congress amid sexual misconduct allegations, citing pressure from both parties and due process concerns

Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell said on Monday (April 13) that he plans to resign from Congress amid explosive allegations of sexual misconduct. The California Democrat’s announcement comes after growing pressure from both Democrats and Republicans for him to step down from his role in the House of Representatives. Swalwell had already suspended his California gubernatorial campaign, but calls for his resignation from Congress continued. “I am deeply sorry to my family, staff and constituents for mistakes in judgement I’ve made in my past,” Swalwell said in a statement posted to X. “I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.” Swalwell has repeatedly denied allegations of sexual assault in the past. He did not specify exactly when he intends to step down, saying instead that he would work with his staff to ensure they can “serve the needs of the good people of the 14th congressional district.”

Eric Swalwell says he will resign from Congress amid sexual misconduct allegations, citing pressure and due process concerns

'I am deeply sorry to my family': Eric Swalwell to resign from Congress amid sexual misconduct allegations

Eric Swalwell has suspended his campaign for governor of California following multiple allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, marking a dramatic turn in an already volatile race to succeed Gavin Newsom. The Democratic congressman, once seen as a frontrunner in the contest, announced his decision in a statement posted online, saying he would fight what he described as “serious, false allegations” but that doing so should not involve his campaign.&nbsp;The allegations were first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, which cited a former staff member who accused Swalwell of sexually assaulting her twice when she was too intoxicated to consent. According to CNN, at least three other women have accused the lawmaker of misconduct, including claims that he sent unsolicited explicit messages and nude photographs.&nbsp;Swalwell, 45, has denied the accusations, calling them “flat false” and suggesting they were part of an effort to derail his gubernatorial bid. He also apologised for what he described as “mistakes in judgment” in his past. The fallout was swift. Senior Democrats, including House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, called on him to withdraw from the race. Key endorsements were also pulled, with California senator Adam Schiff and senator Alex Padilla urging him to step aside.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-i-never-thought-he-would-respond-and-he-actually-did-influencer-s-claim-deepens-crisis-for-eric-swalwell-s-sexual-misconduct-allegation-1775884733457">‘I never thought he would respond… and he actually did’: Influencer’s claim deepens crisis for Eric Swalwell’s sexual misconduct allegation</a>&nbsp;His campaign infrastructure quickly unravelled. Co-chairs Jimmy Gomez and Adam Gray resigned, while allies distanced themselves. Arizona senator Ruben Gallego withdrew his endorsement, expressing regret for previously defending Swalwell.&nbsp;Legal pressure also mounted. The Manhattan district attorney’s office has opened a criminal investigation into a separate sexual assault allegation reportedly dating to 2024. In addition, the Department of Homeland Security said it is examining claims that Swalwell employed a Brazilian national without proper work authorisation. The controversy has also spilt into Congress, where lawmakers from both parties have indicated that a vote to expel Swalwell could be considered.&nbsp;Swalwell, currently serving his seventh term representing Northern California, rose to national prominence as a vocal critic of Donald Trump and served as an impeachment manager during Trump’s second impeachment trial following the January 6 United States Capitol attack.

Eric Swalwell suspended his California gubernatorial campaign following multiple sexual assault allegations. Denying the claims, he faces criminal investigations, loss of party support, and potential expulsion from Congress.

Eric Swalwell has suspended his campaign for governor of California following multiple allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, marking a dramatic turn in an already volatile race to succeed Gavin Newsom. The Democratic congressman, once seen as a frontrunner in the contest, announced his decision in a statement posted online, saying he would fight what he described as “serious, false allegations” but that doing so should not involve his campaign. The allegations were first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, which cited a former staff member who accused Swalwell of sexually assaulting her twice when she was too intoxicated to consent. According to CNN, at least three other women have accused the lawmaker of misconduct, including claims that he sent unsolicited explicit messages and nude photographs. Swalwell, 45, has denied the accusations, calling them “flat false” and suggesting they were part of an effort to derail his gubernatorial bid. He also apologised for what he described as “mistakes in judgment” in his past. The fallout was swift. Senior Democrats, including House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, called on him to withdraw from the race. Key endorsements were also pulled, with California senator Adam Schiff and senator Alex Padilla urging him to step aside. Also read: ‘I never thought he would respond… and he actually did’: Influencer’s claim deepens crisis for Eric Swalwell’s sexual misconduct allegation His campaign infrastructure quickly unravelled. Co-chairs Jimmy Gomez and Adam Gray resigned, while allies distanced themselves. Arizona senator Ruben Gallego withdrew his endorsement, expressing regret for previously defending Swalwell. Legal pressure also mounted. The Manhattan district attorney’s office has opened a criminal investigation into a separate sexual assault allegation reportedly dating to 2024. In addition, the Department of Homeland Security said it is examining claims that Swalwell employed a Brazilian national without proper work authorisation. The controversy has also spilt into Congress, where lawmakers from both parties have indicated that a vote to expel Swalwell could be considered. Swalwell, currently serving his seventh term representing Northern California, rose to national prominence as a vocal critic of Donald Trump and served as an impeachment manager during Trump’s second impeachment trial following the January 6 United States Capitol attack.

Eric Swalwell suspended his California gubernatorial campaign following multiple sexual assault allegations. Denying the claims, he faces criminal investigations, loss of party support, and potential expulsion from Congress.

Eric Swalwell quits California governor race amid sexual assault allegations. Details here

US Congressman Eric Swalwell is facing intensifying scrutiny after fresh reporting by CNN expanded on earlier claims published by the San Francisco Chronicle, detailing allegations of sexual misconduct from four women, including social media creator Ally Sammarco.&nbsp;According to CNN, Sammarco alleged that her interaction with Swalwell began as a political exchange on social media, when she had a relatively small following. “I truly never thought he would respond – I had like 1,000 followers at the time,” she said. “And he actually responded.” She claimed that the exchange later escalated, with Swalwell allegedly sending unsolicited nude messages.&nbsp;CNN reported that it reviewed screenshots of dozens of messages between Swalwell and multiple women. While many of the texts were described as flirtatious in tone, the network noted that none of the messages it examined was sexually explicit.

The report builds on earlier coverage by the San Francisco Chronicle, which described Swalwell’s campaign as “imploding” amid the allegations, citing staff departures and growing internal concern within his political operation.&nbsp;In addition to Sammarco’s account, CNN detailed allegations from three other women, each describing varying forms of inappropriate behaviour. One woman, identified as a former staffer, alleged that she was sexually assaulted by Swalwell in 2024.<h2>Swalwell's response&nbsp;</h2>Swalwell shared a video on the social media platform X and wrote, “Hear it directly from me. These allegations are flat false. And I will fight them.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Hear it directly from me. These allegations are flat false. And I will fight them. <a href="https://t.co/bQSlCquD1U">pic.twitter.com/bQSlCquD1U</a>&mdash; Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepSwalwell/status/2042800069334962405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Details on CNN report&nbsp;</h2>CNN said it reviewed evidence supporting significant portions of the claims, including medical records and contemporaneous messages. The woman reportedly texted friends and family shortly after the alleged incident, stating, “I was sexually assaulted on Thursday,” followed by “By Eric.” She also provided medical documentation indicating she underwent testing for a sexually transmitted disease and a pregnancy test following the alleged assault.&nbsp;The network further reported that it examined correspondence between Swalwell and another woman, including a photograph he allegedly sent that aligned with his presence in her city on the evening they met in person.&nbsp;According to CNN, several of the women described a similar pattern of behaviour, alleging that Swalwell cultivated a sense of personal attention and importance in their interactions before the exchanges turned increasingly sexual. The women told the outlet they often felt compelled to reciprocate due to his position of power and influence.

CNN reported multiple sexual misconduct allegations against Eric Swalwell, including an alleged 2024 assault supported by medical records. Several women described a pattern of behavior involving coerced sexualized interactions.

US Congressman Eric Swalwell is facing intensifying scrutiny after fresh reporting by CNN expanded on earlier claims published by the San Francisco Chronicle, detailing allegations of sexual misconduct from four women, including social media creator Ally Sammarco. According to CNN, Sammarco alleged that her interaction with Swalwell began as a political exchange on social media, when she had a relatively small following. “I truly never thought he would respond – I had like 1,000 followers at the time,” she said. “And he actually responded.” She claimed that the exchange later escalated, with Swalwell allegedly sending unsolicited nude messages. CNN reported that it reviewed screenshots of dozens of messages between Swalwell and multiple women. While many of the texts were described as flirtatious in tone, the network noted that none of the messages it examined was sexually explicit.

CNN reported multiple sexual misconduct allegations against Eric Swalwell, including an alleged 2024 assault supported by medical records. Several women described a pattern of behaviour involving coerced sexualized interactions.

‘I never thought he would respond… and he actually did’: Influencer’s claim deepens crisis for Eric Swalwell’s sexual misconduct allegation

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Eric Swalwell sordid sex abuse saga gets murkier as five women publicly accuse disgraced ex-Congressman who once led California governor race

Fifth accuser alleges drugging and rape by Rep Eric Swalwell after resignation

Anna Paulina alleges jailtime for Eric Swalwell, Brittany Watt maintains silence

US Representative Eric Swalwell Faces Calls To Resign From Congress

Eric Swalwell to resign from Congress amid sexual misconduct allegations

Eric Swalwell quits California governor race amid sexual assault allegations

‘Never thought he would respond’: Influencer’s claim deepens crisis for Swalwell