Trending Now - Swalwell Accused of Inappropriate Messages and Unwanted Advances

WHO:

CNN - Eric Swalwell, a congressman and former candidate for California governor.

CNN - More than a dozen women who described uncomfortable interactions with Swalwell.

CNN - Sara Azari, attorney for Swalwell.

CNN - Emma Davidson Tribbs, founding director of the National Women’s Defense League.

CNN - Lonna Drewes, a former Los Angeles model and entrepreneur who accused Swalwell of rape.

CNN - Heather Purcell, a woman who described uncomfortable interactions with Swalwell.

CNN - Sanam Vivansia, a Washington, DC, real estate agent who interacted with Swalwell.

CNN - Clara Miklaucic, a restaurant hostess who received messages from Swalwell.

WHAT:

IJR - Several women reported receiving sexually explicit messages from Swalwell on Snapchat.

CNN - Swalwell resigned from Congress and dropped out of the California governor's race after allegations surfaced.

CNN - Swalwell faces criminal investigations in New York and California.

CNN - Swalwell sent flirty messages and unsolicited nude photos to women.

CNN - Swalwell allegedly drugged and raped Lonna Drewes.

CNN - Swalwell sent a letter of recommendation to a woman he had never met in person.

CNN - Swalwell sent Snapchat messages to two women after being contacted by CNN about their allegations.

WHERE:

CNN - Swalwell interacted with women in various locations, including Capitol Hill offices and a hotel in Las Vegas.

CNN - Swalwell met women in places like a Los Angeles rooftop restaurant and a TV studio during the Democratic National Convention.

WHEN:

CNN - Swalwell became one of the first lawmakers to join Snapchat in 2016.

CNN - Swalwell's alleged rape of Lonna Drewes occurred in July 2018.

CNN - Swalwell's campaign expenses included charges to Drizly and Las Vegas steakhouses in July 2021.

CNN - Swalwell announced his candidacy for California governor in November 2025.

WHY:

CNN - Women reported feeling uncomfortable due to Swalwell's behavior, which included flirty messages and unwanted advances.

CNN - Swalwell's actions suggest a pattern of behavior that could expose him to blackmail or extortion.

HOW:

CNN - Swalwell used Snapchat to send messages to women, often after brief encounters.

CNN - Swalwell's attorney stated that his communications with women were "routine and professional."

(UPDATED May 4, 2026 17:26 UTC)

Congressman Eric Swalwell has resigned from Congress and withdrawn from the California governor's race following allegations from multiple women, including accusations of sending sexually explicit messages and an alleged rape incident involving Lonna Drewes. Swalwell, who became one of the first lawmakers to join Snapchat in 2016, faces criminal investigations in both New York and California, with reports detailing his interactions with women in various locations, including Capitol Hill and a Las Vegas hotel. His attorney has claimed that Swalwell's communications were "routine and professional," but the allegations suggest a troubling pattern of behavior that has left many women feeling uncomfortable.