Another accuser added to disgraced Rep. Eric Swalwell’s sexual misconduct rap sheet on Tuesday in Beverly Hills, saying the politician allegedly drugged and raped her in 2018.
Speaking to reporters alongside attorney Lisa Bloom, the woman, Lana Drews, leveled the stunning accusations against the Democrat.
Drews, who was working as a model then, said she believed Swalwell drugged her drink at an event and went to his hotel under non-sexual pretenses.
There, she said, Swalwell allegedly choked her and she lost consciousness.
The US House Rep has said he will resign from his office and has already ended his imploding gubernatorial campaign. Swalwell denies the allegations, though has said he is “deeply sorry” to his family, staff and constituents for “mistakes in judgement” he’s made in the past.
Swalwell is dealing with a myriad of serious sexual misconduct allegations, including a rape accusation.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is also looking into a sexual assault allegation directed at him.
While Swalwell has said he “plans” to resign, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna said earlier Tuesday she will introduce an expulsion resolution soon if he doesn’t fulfill his plan. She said later in the day that Swalwell was in the process of switching his staff to the Clerk of the House, signaling a pending resignation.
An expulsion would move him into rarified territory. Only six US House Reps have ever been expelled from the House, including former Rep. George Santos in 2023.
Swalwell’s exit from the House and California’s gubernatorial race will have wide ramifications.
His state candidacy was once considered serious and narrows an otherwise indecisive Democratic field including Rep. Katie Porter and billionaire Tom Steyer. Republicans in the race include the wealthy Steve Hilton and Sheriff Chad Bianco.
Once Swalwell resigns, the GOP majority will widen to four seats. Rep. Tony Gonzales’ potential resignation, which has been called for by even fellow Republicans, will nullify the advantage.
