Swalwell resigns from Congress as allegations escalate

Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell has stepped down from the United States Congress following a series of sexual misconduct allegations that have intensified in recent days.

The latest accusation surfaced on Tuesday, when a fifth woman publicly alleged that Swalwell drugged and raped her during an encounter in 2018. Speaking at a news conference in Los Angeles, Lonna Drewes said:

“My delay in taking action against Eric was driven by fear, not doubt – fear of his political power.”

Her lawyer, Lisa Bloom, said a police report would be filed with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office.

Swalwell has denied wrongdoing. However, the mounting accusations have already reshaped his political standing. On Monday, he announced his resignation from Congress, one day after suspending his campaign for governor of California.

Until recently, the 45-year-old had been leading in polls to replace Gavin Newsom. That trajectory shifted sharply last week, after reports by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN outlined allegations from multiple women.

One woman, identified as a former staffer, told CNN that Swalwell raped her in a New York City hotel in 2024, describing injuries following the encounter. Three other women told US media they had received inappropriate messages from the lawmaker via Snapchat, an app where messages automatically disappear.

The allegations triggered a rapid political response. Several supporters withdrew endorsements from Swalwell’s gubernatorial bid, while lawmakers from both parties signalled support for a potential vote to expel him from Congress.

At the same time, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office confirmed it had opened an investigation into the sexual assault claims.

In a statement released Monday, Swalwell apologised to his family, staff and constituents for what he described as “mistakes in judgment”, while rejecting the accusations against him.

“I will fight the serious, false allegations made against me,” he said.

“I am aware of the efforts to bring an immediate expulsion vote against me and other members. Expelling anyone in Congress without due process, within days of an allegation being made, is wrong.”