Rep. Eric Swalwell, the outspoken Democrat known nationally for his relentless criticism of former President Donald Trump, has officially entered the 2026 California governor’s race. Announcing his candidacy on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and through a newly launched campaign website, the East Bay congressman joins an already crowded field of contenders seeking to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Swalwell, a former prosecutor and long-time California lawmaker, is positioning himself as a leader ready to combat rising costs, protect communities, and confront Trump’s influence. His entry signals yet another dramatic shift in a governor’s race with no clear frontrunner.
Key Takeaways: Eric Swalwell’s Entry Into the 2026 California Governor’s Race
- Swalwell announced his candidacy on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and through a new campaign site, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.
- He brands himself as a “fighter and protector,” vowing to lower prices, raise wages, and shield Californians from Trump’s influence.
- Swalwell joins more than 20 candidates, including Democrats Katie Porter, Xavier Becerra, Antonio Villaraigosa, Tom Steyer, Tony Thurmond, and Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco.
- He highlights a decade-long battle with Trump, including serving as an impeachment manager and filing a civil lawsuit over Jan. 6.
- Recent allegations of mortgage and tax fraud were referred to the DOJ, which Swalwell calls “political retaliation” and “nonsense.”
- Swalwell’s path may rely heavily on his Bay Area base, where he has long maintained strong support.
A Dramatic Campaign Launch on National Television
Eric Swalwell chose a prominent stage to announce his run — a live appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” His declaration sparked applause and a standing ovation as he emphasized California’s urgent need for leadership capable of addressing rising costs and statewide anxiety.
“Our state needs a fighter and a protector,” Swalwell told Kimmel. He added that Californians deserve leaders who will bring down prices, lift wages, and ensure safety in their communities. This dual message — economic relief and public protection — forms the core of his campaign.
His website introduced the theme “Fighting for a New California,” signaling a commitment to affordability and stability.
Swalwell Frames His Run Through the Lens of Trump Opposition
A defining pillar of Swalwell’s political identity remains his aggressive stance against Donald Trump. He called himself “the most vocal critic of Donald Trump over the last decade,” a claim supported by his high-profile role in Trump’s second impeachment trial in 2021.
His launch materials and interviews repeatedly emphasize that California’s next governor must:
“Keep the worst president in our history out of our homes, out of our streets, and out of our lives.”
Swalwell has consistently positioned himself as a central figure in opposing Trump’s actions — from impeachment efforts to lawsuits. His lawsuit accusing Trump of inciting the Jan. 6 attack is ongoing.
Addressing Recent Accusations Head-On
Just days before announcing his candidacy, the Trump administration referred Swalwell to the Department of Justice over alleged mortgage and tax fraud — accusations similar to those made against other Trump critics.
Swalwell dismissed the referral as politically motivated, calling it “nonsense” during his conversation with Kimmel. He argued that Trump’s allies have engaged in a pattern of targeting Democratic officials, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Sen. Adam Schiff.
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Despite the allegations, Swalwell maintains that he has done nothing wrong and will not back down from his criticism of the former president.
Personal Motivation: The Loss of His Mother and the Fight for Cancer Research
In one of the most emotional moments of his campaign rollout, Swalwell referenced losing his mother to cancer just two months earlier. He criticized the Trump administration’s cuts to cancer research grants, accusing them of harming families like his across the country.
“It’s personal to me,” he said. “People in California expect investment in cancer research, not cuts.”
This personal angle adds an emotional dimension to his platform, especially in a state home to leading medical research institutions.
A Crowded Democratic Field With No Clear Leader
Swalwell enters a competitive field with several high-profile Democrats:
- Katie Porter — current frontrunner in some polls
- Xavier Becerra — former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary
- Antonio Villaraigosa — former Los Angeles mayor
- Tom Steyer — billionaire climate activist
- Tony Thurmond — State Superintendent
- Betty Yee, Ian Calderon, Stephen J. Cloobeck, among others
On the Republican side, leading names include:
- Steve Hilton — former Fox News host
- Chad Bianco — Riverside County Sheriff
A recent UC Berkeley poll showed 44% of voters still undecided, signaling a wide-open contest.
Swalwell’s Background: From Prosecutor to Congress to Governor Hopeful
Born in Iowa and raised in a Republican household, Swalwell often jokes that his Fox News appearances helped his parents watch him on TV. He attended college as the first in his family, later becoming a prosecutor in Alameda County and serving on the Dublin City Council.
He entered Congress in 2012 after defeating 40-year incumbent Pete Stark. Known for his energetic style and social media presence, Swalwell gained national attention during Trump’s first term.
He briefly ran for president in 2020, focusing on gun control, including a proposed ban on assault-style weapons.
His statewide name recognition, however, remains mixed — particularly in Southern California and within Sacramento political circles.
A Race Shaped by Timing and Political Shifts
Swalwell’s entry comes shortly after the passage of Proposition 50, a redistricting measure that absorbed voter attention and donor funding for months. Many candidates had waited for the special election to conclude before making their decisions.
Even though Porter has enjoyed early visibility, the absence of Kamala Harris and Alex Padilla from the race has left Democratic voters searching for a strong alternative.
Swalwell is betting that his national profile, prosecutorial background, and combative stance against Trump will resonate with California’s Democratic base.
What Swalwell’s Bid Signals for California’s Political Future
California’s 2026 governor’s race is emerging as one of the most defining contests of the decade, shaped by affordability concerns, shifting political alliances, and rising tensions with national politics. Eric Swalwell’s forceful entry adds renewed attention, controversy, and momentum to an already competitive field.
As voters weigh issues like cost of living, public safety, and the state’s relationship with federal leadership, Swalwell’s message of protection and a “New California” will be tested. The coming months will reveal whether he can convert his national profile and fierce anti-Trump stance into statewide support in the nation’s most influential state.
FAQs on Eric Swalwell’s California Governor Run
1. Why is Eric Swalwell running for California governor in 2026?
He aims to lower living costs, improve safety, and prevent Trump’s influence in California while building what he calls a “New California.”
2. How did Eric Swalwell announce his governor campaign?
He announced it on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and through his new campaign website, receiving a standing ovation.
3. Which major candidates are contesting the 2026 California governor race?
Katie Porter, Xavier Becerra, Antonio Villaraigosa, Tom Steyer, Tony Thurmond, Steve Hilton, and Chad Bianco are among the key contenders.
4. What controversies surround Eric Swalwell ahead of his campaign?
The Trump administration referred him for alleged mortgage and tax fraud, which he dismisses as political retaliation.
5. What political experience does Eric Swalwell bring to the governor’s race?
He served as a prosecutor, Dublin city councilmember, impeachment manager, and East Bay congressman since 2013, with a previous 2020 presidential run.
