Eric Swalwell Enters California Governor Race as Trump Critic

California's already crowded gubernatorial race gained another high-profile contender Thursday night when Bay Area Representative Eric Swalwell announced his candidacy to succeed termed-out Governor Gavin Newsom. The seven-term congressman made his announcement in signature fashion—on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"—positioning himself as both a fighter against President Donald Trump's policies and a solution to California's affordability crisis.

A Campaign Built on Two Pillars

Swalwell framed his candidacy around what he calls two essential objectives for California's next governor. "One, keep Trump out of our homes, streets and lives," he told the San Francisco Chronicle ahead of his announcement. "The second is to write the story of a new California on lower prices, on business growth and modernizing the state."

During his appearance on Kimmel's show, the congressman didn't mince words about the urgency he feels. "Our state, this great state, needs a fighter and a protector," Swalwell declared. "Someone who will bring prices down, lift wages up." He specifically criticized the Trump administration's cuts to cancer research grants, noting the personal loss of his mother to cancer just two months ago.

A Race Without a Clear Frontrunner

Swalwell enters a Democratic field that has struggled to capture voter enthusiasm, particularly after two of California's most prominent Democrats—former Vice President Kamala Harris and current Senator Alex Padilla—declined to run. A University of California Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll from late October found that 44% of registered voters remain undecided about their preferred candidate.

The congressman joins a diverse slate of candidates including former Representative Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, and billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer, who entered the race just days before Swalwell. On the Republican side, candidates include Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton.

Building Name Recognition Beyond Washington

While Swalwell has built significant national recognition through his frequent cable news appearances and role as a Trump impeachment manager in 2021, he faces challenges in California state politics. Unlike rivals Becerra and Villaraigosa, who have extensive Sacramento experience, Swalwell's political career has centered on federal issues and his congressional district in the East Bay.

As Jim DeBoo, Newsom's former chief of staff, noted at a recent USC political conference: "If you look at the past three governors, they've all had personalities. When you're looking at the field right now, most people don't know" much about the candidates despite their political credentials.

The Trump Factor: Asset or Liability?

Swalwell's role as one of Trump's most vocal congressional critics could prove to be a double-edged sword. His persistent opposition to the president has made him a hero to many grassroots Democrats but also a frequent target of Republican attacks and Trump administration scrutiny.

Last week, a Trump administration housing official called for a criminal investigation into Swalwell over alleged mortgage fraud—accusations the congressman dismisses as political retaliation. Similar referrals have been made against other prominent Trump critics, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and Senator Adam Schiff of California.

"If he thinks for one second that me, Schiff... Tish James are going to hide under the bed or shrink or just go quiet, we're not," Swalwell told Kimmel, framing the investigation as "nonsense" and describing himself as "the most vocal critic of Donald Trump over the last decade."

Controversial Associations

Swalwell also carries baggage from his 2020 association with Fang Fang, a Chinese spy who raised money for his congressional campaign. Though he cut ties with her in 2015 after being briefed by intelligence officials and was never accused of impropriety, the connection remains a point of attack from political opponents.

From Dublin to Sacramento: Swalwell's Political Journey

The Iowa native grew up in Dublin, California, which he describes as "a town of low-income expectations" once disparaged as "Scrublin." After law school, he served as a prosecutor in the Alameda County District Attorney's office and later on Dublin's City Council, helping transform the community through increased housing and business development.

Swalwell burst onto the political scene in 2012 by defeating longtime incumbent Representative Pete Stark. He leveraged social media savvy and cable news appearances to build a national following, launching a short-lived presidential campaign in 2019 centered on reducing gun violence. Though that bid lasted only three months, it demonstrated his willingness to compete on the national stage.

Policy Vision for California

While Swalwell's views on many state-specific policies remain undefined, he has outlined several priorities. He proposes creating an ambassador program to attract global research funding for California, compensating for federal cuts. He also points to his work on Dublin's planning commission as evidence of his ability to address housing affordability—citing how the city increased housing stock, attracted Fortune 500 employers, and dramatically improved college attendance rates.

"We have a Whole Foods, which no one can afford to shop at," Swalwell joked, acknowledging the persistent affordability challenges even in revitalized communities.

The Road Ahead

With the June 2026 primary approaching, the race is heating up. Recent weeks have seen increased attacks among Democratic candidates, with Porter facing scrutiny over viral videos, Villaraigosa launching ads against rivals, and candidates jockeying for position in a race that lacks a decisive frontrunner.

Swalwell enters with approximately $500,000 in his congressional campaign account that could be transferred to his gubernatorial bid. However, he'll need to significantly boost fundraising and build relationships with Sacramento power brokers to compete effectively. His relatively limited network of major endorsements compared to more established state political figures presents another challenge.

A Message to Democratic Voters

The congressman is betting that Democratic voters want a governor who will aggressively stand up to Trump while solving California's pressing problems. "I'm running to be a governor for all Californians," he told MediasTouch. "I'm the son of two Republicans, the son of a cop, and I grew up in a law-enforcement family. I worked as a prosecutor myself."

As the field continues to evolve—with speculation ongoing about possible entries by billionaire Rick Caruso and Attorney General Rob Bonta—Swalwell's combination of anti-Trump credentials and prosecutorial background may help him carve out a distinct lane in the crowded primary.

Conclusion: A Race Wide Open

Eric Swalwell's entry into California's 2026 gubernatorial race underscores both the opportunity and uncertainty facing Democrats in the nation's most populous state. With no clear frontrunner and voter interest still developing, his combination of national recognition, Trump opposition, and law enforcement background offers a unique profile. However, success will require more than cable news appearances—it demands building coalitions, raising substantial funds, and articulating a clear vision for California's future that resonates beyond resistance to Washington. As the primary approaches, the question remains whether Swalwell can translate his federal profile into state-level support and emerge from a crowded field of ambitious Democrats all vying to lead America's economic and cultural powerhouse.