# Eric Swalwell sexual misconduct investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/eric-swalwell-sexual-misconduct-investigation
> Updated: 2026-08-01T20:19:18.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 3.

In March 2024, Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign sent cease‑and‑desist letters to Tom Steyer’s team and later to campaign counsel Ryan Hughes, warning of litigation over alleged defamatory claims. Weeks later, multiple women accused Swalwell of rape, sexual assault and choking, prompting him to suspend his governor bid and resign from the U.S. House. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department opened a criminal investigation after model Lonna Drewes alleged a 2018 hotel encounter involving drugging, rape and choking; the probe remains active.

Swalwell’s campaign has continued damage‑control, reiterating the cease‑and‑desist and warning individuals who spread rumors on social media. He has not made public appearances, relying on legal counsel and political allies while law‑enforcement probes proceed.

In August 2026, the campaign disclosed an additional $150,000 paid to law firm Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP between May 17 and June 30, on top of a prior $50,000 payment, bringing total campaign‑funded legal expenses to over $300,000. The firm has advised Swalwell since 2016. The California Fair Political Practices Commission is reviewing more than $300,000 paid to defense attorney Sara Azari, though no further updates have been released. Representatives Ro Khanna (D‑CA) and Anna Paulina Luna (R‑FL) introduced legislation to prohibit the use of federal campaign funds for costs related to sexual‑misconduct allegations.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-01: Eric Swalwell campaign spends $150,000 on legal fees amid sexual misconduct allegations

Former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s campaign used $150,000 of donor money to pay law firm Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP for legal defense amid ongoing sexual‑misconduct investigations, prompting ethics scrutiny and a

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eric-swalwell-campaign-spends-150000-on-legal-fees-amid-sexual-misconduct-allegations

### 2026-07-11: Congressman Eric Swalwell under criminal investigation for sexual misconduct

Congressman Eric Swalwell faces an active LA County criminal investigation after being accused of drugging, raping and choking a woman, with his campaign issuing cease‑and‑desist letters and halting public appe

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/congressman-eric-swalwell-under-criminal-investigation-for-sexual-misconduct

### 2026-07-11: Eric Swalwell's lawyers issue cease‑and‑desist to Tom Steyer campaign amid misconduct allegations

Swalwell’s attorneys sent a March 20 cease‑and‑desist to Tom Steyer’s campaign, accusing it of defaming him amid sexual misconduct allegations that later forced his resignation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eric-swalwell-resigns-amid-sexual-misconduct-allegations-and-legal-threats

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Cite as: Eric Swalwell sexual misconduct investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/eric-swalwell-sexual-misconduct-investigation