Congressman's Campaign Paid Hotel at Center of Assault Claim

U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell’s campaign committee paid the hotel where a woman says he sexually assaulted her, according to financial records. The accuser, Lonna Drewes, claims the incident occurred in 2016. Swalwell, a Democrat from California, has denied all allegations. Campaign finance reports show a payment to the hotel in 2017. The payment was for what the campaign calls "event catering." Drewes filed a police report in 2023. Her allegation is part of a series of accusations from multiple women. These women have accused Swalwell of sexual assault and rape. Swalwell now faces separate legal investigations in both New York and Los Angeles. He has not been charged with any crime. He calls the allegations a "political smear." His office says the campaign's hotel payment was unrelated to Drewes' claim.