Federal agents seized electronic devices from former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and searched his Washington, D.C., home as part of an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations. According to a person familiar with the matter, the device seizures occurred at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday, while the search warrant for his residence was executed the following day. Swalwell, through his attorney, has denied all allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.
The investigation follows Swalwell’s resignation from Congress in April 2026. His departure occurred after reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN detailed allegations that he had sexually assaulted a woman on two occasions, including while she was a member of his staff. Three additional women also alleged various forms of misconduct, including the receipt of unsolicited explicit messages. Before these allegations became public, Swalwell was a candidate in the California gubernatorial race, which he exited shortly after the reports surfaced.
Federal and local authorities are currently examining several specific claims. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office confirmed in April it is investigating an allegation that Swalwell raped a former staffer at a New York City hotel during a 2024 charity gala. Additionally, an attorney for Lonna Drewes stated his team is cooperating with law enforcement regarding her allegation that Swalwell raped her in a Southern California hotel in 2018. Swalwell has also denied that specific claim.
The concrete day-to-day impact is currently centered on the legal and political landscape of California’s 15th District. Residents of the district recently participated in a special election on Thursday to fill the vacancy left by Swalwell's April resignation. The winner, Aisha Wahab, will serve the remainder of the current term ending in January 2027, meaning constituents will see a change in federal representation and staff for the final months of the year before another election in November.
The investigation also sets a precedent for how federal law enforcement handles allegations against high-ranking former officials involving their conduct while in office. What happens next depends on the findings from the electronic devices seized by the FBI and the ongoing probe by the Manhattan District Attorney's Special Victims Division. While special election winner Aisha Wahab is set to represent the district through January, the full November election will determine the long-term successor for the seat. Swallwell's attorney was contacted for comment on Thursday, following the initial report of the device seizures by the Daily Mail.