Context:

A wave of allegations against Congressman Eric Swalwell emerges from two women, with a former staffer claiming he exposed himself and pressured her for sex in 2019 during a drive to an event, and another woman alleging in 2018 that he drugged her drink and raped her after a meeting about political ambitions. Swalwell denies the misconduct, calling the claims false and politically motivated ahead of an election. Calls for a full investigation grow as former staffers urge law enforcement to review the allegations, while Swalwell announces his intention to resign from Congress. The developments unfold amid ongoing political controversy and heightened scrutiny of his conduct, with investigators and voters watching for accountability and next steps.

Dive Deeper:

• A former Swalwell staffer alleges that in 2019 he exposed himself and urged oral sex during a car ride to an event; she stopped, and he allegedly commented that it would be inappropriate for a congressman to be caught in such a situation.

• Lonna Drewes claims that in 2018 Swalwell drugged her drink and raped her after a meeting about political aims and business opportunities; she has filed a law enforcement report with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

• Swalwell has publicly denied the allegations, calling them false and politically motivated given the timing near an election.

• Former staffers are pressing for a thorough law enforcement investigation into the allegations, signaling concern over potential misconduct and accountability.

• Amid the mounting accusations, Swalwell announces his intention to resign from Congress, signaling a major shift for his political career.

• The situation prompts increased scrutiny of Swalwell’s conduct, with implications for his political standing and ongoing investigations or inquiries.