Eric Swalwell officially resigned from Congress Tuesday, shortly after one of his alleged victim’s came forward to accuse of him of rape in Los Angeles amid a series of sexual misconduct claims against the disgraced ex-politician.
Swalwell had his resignation read on the House floor Tuesday as Congress returned to Washington, DC, following a two-week recess.
The married former California governor hopeful has shot down allegations of sexual assault and rape against him — but had said he felt it was right to step aside amid the scandal.
Swalwell nonetheless remained defiant on Tuesday, with a letter from his lawyer calling the claims “false, fabricated, and deeply offensive.”
“The timing, nature, and coordinated rollout of these vile and heinous allegations speak for themselves,” his attorney Sara Azari said. “This is neither about justice, nor the truth. This is a ruthless and shameless attempt to smear Congressman Swalwell.”
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna threatened to file an expulsion resolution against Swalwell if he didn’t resign by 2 p.m. ET Tuesday.
On Tuesday morning, the congresswoman said that “that Swalwell has begun the internal process of switching his staff over to the Clerk of the House.”
Around the same time on Tuesday, alleged victim Lonna Drewes, 50, held a press conference in Beverly Hills claiming he drugged and raped her in a hotel room in 2018.
She tearfully described how the congressman allegedly spiked her drink before choking and sexually assaulting her in West Hollywood.
Swalwell was about to be subjected to a House Ethics Committee investigation, which could have dug up more information on his past.
Rumors began swirling last week about the congressman’s possible improper behavior with women, claims he initially said had zero truth..
All of that changed on Friday, when CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle reported in detail accusations from four women.
One former staffer alleged Swalwell raped her in a hotel in New York City in 2024, sparking an investigation from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. He’s also accused of lewd sexual acts such as sending nudes, harassment and turning up outside one woman’s home.
That same day, Swalwell insisted in a video message that the allegations were false while admitting lapses in judgment, saying “those mistakes are between me and my wife and to her I apologize deeply.”
The statement did little to curb the outcry against him, with key allies — including his “best friend” Sen. Ruben Gallego — abandoned the congressman. Major organizations withdrew endorsements and financial support. Political powerhouses like former Speaker Nancy Pelosi called on him to drop out.
Current and former staffers issued damning letters against Swalwell, indicating he had very little support even within his own staff.
On Sunday, Swalwell suspended his campaign for the California governor’s race before announcing a day later that he would resign from Congress.
Swalwell’s intent to resign also led Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas — also accused of sexual misconduct — to remove himself in the face of a broader threat of expulsion.
Swalwell’s troubles may not be ending any time soon. Some, including Luna, hinted at more shocking news to come.
“He made the correct decision, but there still needs to be a full-fledged criminal investigation,” she said. “Based on what I’m hearing, he may go to jail.”
Regardless, Swalwell remained committed to fighting the allegations.
“We are confident that the truth will prevail, and we will pursue every available legal remedy against those responsible for orchestrating this reprehensible campaign of lies,” his attorney said.
