A chilling new accusation has surfaced in the unfolding scandal surrounding Eric Swalwell, a politician whose ambitions have dramatically collapsed in recent days. Lena Drews, the fifth woman to come forward, delivered a harrowing account of alleged sexual assault, claiming she was raped and choked, losing consciousness and fearing for her life.
Drews, a former model and business owner, detailed her experience alongside her attorney, stating unequivocally that she did not consent to any sexual activity. Though she did not seek a forensic examination at the time, she revealed she confided in loved ones, documented the event in a personal calendar, and discussed the trauma in therapy sessions.
The accusations follow similar claims from two other women, Ally Sammarco and Annika Albrecht, who spoke to CBS News, expressing a sense of vindication following Swalwell’s abrupt resignation from Congress and withdrawal from the California gubernatorial race. They believed their actions potentially prevented decades of further harm to other women.
Sammarco asserted that Swalwell operated with a sense of invulnerability, believing he was beyond reproach. She suggested his resignation halted a potential trajectory of escalating abuse, particularly had he secured the governorship and increased his power.
Albrecht, sharing her story for the first time, emphasized that true justice would only be served when Swalwell could no longer inflict harm on anyone. She spoke of a relationship that began as mentorship, quickly turning disturbing when Swalwell allegedly requested her contact information on Snapchat.
The interactions soon became sexually suggestive, culminating in an invitation to a hotel room. Albrecht recounted her relief at avoiding that encounter, recognizing the clear implication of his request. She also revealed conversations with other accusers, describing a terrifying pattern of women waking up with no memory of how they ended up in compromising situations.
Another woman, remaining anonymous, alleged a sexual assault in a New York City hotel room in 2024, claiming she was heavily intoxicated and awoke to find Swalwell assaulting her. She vividly recalled struggling and repeatedly saying “no,” but her pleas were ignored.
Swalwell’s resignation came late Monday, preempting a potential expulsion vote from the House. He cited concerns about due process and the distraction his case would cause to his constituents, but maintained his innocence, admitting only to “mistakes in judgment.”
The allegations against Swalwell initially surfaced in reports from CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle, detailing accusations of explicit messages and unsolicited nude photos. Simultaneously, Congressman Tony Gonzales also announced his resignation amidst a separate misconduct scandal.
Despite his denial, Swalwell faces a criminal investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. Representative Anna Paulina Luna, who spearheaded the expulsion effort, stated that while Swalwell’s resignation was a step in the right direction, a thorough criminal investigation remains essential.
The unfolding situation paints a disturbing picture of alleged abuse of power and a pattern of behavior that has brought a once-promising political career to a stunning and ignominious end.
