Swalwell Faces New Criminal Investigation as Special Election Set for August

Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation Tuesday setting a special election for August 18th to fill the congressional seat left vacant by Eric Swalwell, the Castro Valley Democrat who resigned amid a growing wave of sexual misconduct allegations.

Swalwell is now facing a criminal investigation by the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department following new allegations from Lonna Drewes, who says Swalwell drugged her drink, raped her, and choked her in a California hotel room in 2018. "I lost consciousness, and I thought I died," Drewes said. She says she did not report the alleged assault at the time but confided in multiple people and made handwritten notes shortly after. Her delay in coming forward, she says, "was driven by fear, not doubt."

Swalwell, a married father of three, apologized for past "mistakes in judgment" while forcefully denying all allegations of sexual assault or misconduct. His attorney called the accusations "false, fabricated and deeply offensive," alleging they amount to a "political hit job."

The resignation came after fellow House members threatened to expel him, and after Swalwell dropped his bid for California governor. Multiple women have now made allegations against him, and investigators say multiple investigations are underway.

Swalwell was not the only member to step down Tuesday. Texas Republican Tony Gonzales also resigned the same day. Gonzales, a married father of six, had previously admitted to an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide. "I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment," Gonzales said.

The two resignations will not shift the balance of power in Congress, though advocates say they are hopeful the moment will bring broader accountability.