Eric Swalwell resigns from Congress as new sexual assault allegation emerges

Eric Swalwell has resigned from Congress, stepping down Tuesday afternoon as a new allegation of sexual assault surfaced. The California Democrat, once seen as a rising figure in national politics, now faces a growing number of accusations, including a claim from a woman who says he raped her in a West Hollywood hotel room in 2018. She told the New York Times she believes she was drugged that night, adding further gravity to the allegations.

Swalwell has denied all claims. In previous statements, he said he never engaged in nonconsensual activity and has not been charged with any crime. Still, the mounting pressure from multiple accusers-now at least five women-appears to have led to his decision to leave office. The House clerk confirmed his resignation, along with that of Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas, who is also facing misconduct allegations, though unrelated.

The latest accusation comes from Lonna Drewes, who said she met Swalwell at a political event and later ended up at a hotel with him. She described feeling disoriented and unable to consent. Her account, detailed in the Times, marks the most serious charge yet among the allegations, which have ranged from unwanted advances to assault.

As the story spread, a viral video surfaced showing Swalwell with a woman in a compromising situation. Arizona Representative Ruben Gallego quickly denied being the second man in the footage, calling the suggestion an example of the misinformation circulating. The video's authenticity and context remain unclear.

Despite resigning under a cloud, Swalwell will still receive a taxpayer-funded pension. According to a National Taxpayers Union analysis shared with the Washington Examiner, he qualifies for about $22,000 a year due to his years of service. That's sparked criticism from reform advocates who argue that public officials should forfeit such benefits when leaving office amid serious ethical or legal concerns.

Swalwell was once considered a potential presidential contender, known for his media presence and role on the House Intelligence Committee. His resignation marks a sharp fall from that trajectory. The circumstances echo past #MeToo-era departures, though unlike some predecessors, Swalwell has not admitted wrongdoing.

With both Swalwell and Gonzales stepping down the same day, attention is turning to how party leaders respond and whether calls for stronger ethics enforcement will gain momentum. For now, the focus remains on the women coming forward-and the consequences for a politician once seen as having a long career ahead.