In America, you are innocent until proven guilty. However, that only applies in criminal court; in the world of public opinion, people are free to make whatever judgements they want.
Right now, I think it’s safe to say that former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s (CA-14) name is mud to most people following the shocking revelations of alleged sexually predatory behavior against numerous women. I say “former” because he ended his California gubernatorial bid on Sunday, even though he was a frontrunner, and formally resigned from Congress on Tuesday.
You’d think that would be the last we’d hear of him for a while — but nope. He remains defiant, and according to his lawyer, he’s completely innocent:
#EricSwalwell pic.twitter.com/5MlEKU0rfo
— Sara Azari (@azarilaw) April 14, 2026
It’s all been a “political hit job,” according to the attorney, Sara Azari.
Congressman Eric Swalwell categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled against him. These accusations are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive — a calculated and transparent political hit job designed to destroy the reputation of a man who has spent twenty years in public service.
For many who watched the interview of a woman who says she survived a twisted assault by the congressman, Azari’s argument is going to be a tough sell. The alleged victim, Lonna Drewes, a former model who currently owns a fashion software company, certainly came across as authentic in describing the awful situation she says she found herself in, as our editor Jennifer Van Laar reported earlier Tuesday:
Lonna Drewes, the fifth woman accusing @ericswalwell of rape allegations, details sexual misconduct of being “drugged,” “incapacitated,” and “raped.” pic.twitter.com/Bh5XGNDnYF
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) April 14, 2026
MORE: New: Former Model, Software Company Exec Accuses Eric Swalwell of Drugging and Raping Her in 2018
Swalwell’s BFF Ruben Gallego Absolutely Torches Him to Press — but Says Had No Clue About His Behavior
Despite Drewes’ powerful account and stories by several other witnesses, Swalwell is apparently unmoved, according to the letter:
The timing, nature, and coordinated rollout of these vile and heinous allegations speak for themselves. This is neither about justice, nor the truth. This is a ruthless and shameless attempt to smear Congressman Swalwell.
Congressman Swalwell has devoted his career to defending the Constitution, protecting civil liberties, and standing up to those who abuse power. He has never wavered in that fight — and he will not waver now. We will fight these despicable and baseless accusations with the same tenacity, courage, and conviction that has defined the Congressman’s public service.
As we reported, Swalwell’s best friend, Arizona Dem Sen. Ruben Gallego, who was the representative’s National Campaign Chair for his failed 2020 presidential bid, didn’t convince many earlier Tuesday when he told reporters that he had no inkling Swalwell had some very sinister skeletons in his closet. But even that presser seemed more credible than this letter.
Its conclusion:
We are confident that the truth will prevail, and we will pursue every available legal remedy against those responsible for orchestrating this reprehensible campaign of lies.
Swalwell better hope his truth prevails, because right now things are looking very, very bad for him. Innocent until proven guilty, I know, I know, but for the time being, the evidence is incredibly damning.
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