Democrat Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) has just announced he is running for California governor and will join a crowded primary in the battle to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom in next year’s gubernatorial election.
Swalwell kicked off his run for governor Thursday night in a friendly setting on Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show.
The congressman is attempting to portray himself as the state’s “protector” against President Donald Trump, even as he faces a fresh criminal referral to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Swalwell, who has represented the Bay Area in Congress since 2013 and built his brand on attacking Trump, enters an already crowded Democratic Party field for the 2026 race.
His announcement came just days after Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Bill Pulte referred him to the DOJ for alleged mortgage and tax fraud.
The referral is an explosive development that the congressman ignored during his Kimmel appearance.
Unsurprisingly, liberal Kimmel didn’t mention the charges.
“Our state, this great state, needs a fighter and a protector,” Swalwell told Kimmel.
“Someone who will bring prices down, lift wages up.
“I’ve been in fights as a city council member in Dublin, my hometown, as a prosecutor in Oakland, and taking on the most corrupt president ever in the U.S. Congress.
“But I’m ready to bring this fight home.”
WATCH:
The announcement was hardly a surprise.
MSNBC reported weeks ago that Swalwell was preparing a run, and a fundraising page for his gubernatorial bid briefly appeared on ActBlue before being taken down.
It was an early sign that the campaign machinery was already in motion.
According to Politico, allies have been urging Swalwell to position himself as a more moderate alternative to former Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA).
Porter has stumbled in recent polling after several public meltdowns, including berating a CBS News interviewer and a leaked video showing her shouting at an aide to get out of her “f***ing shot.”
She also faced disturbing headlines after court filings revealed her ex-husband accused her of dumping scalding mashed potatoes on his head.
Swalwell brings his own baggage. The former impeachment manager handpicked by Nancy Pelosi was infamously tied to suspected Chinese Communist Party spy Christine Fang, known as “Fang Fang.”
Fang fundraised for his 2014 campaign and even placed at least one intern in his office.
She also helped Swalwell advance to his powerful position on the House Intelligence Committee.
Although the House Ethics Committee cleared him in 2023, the episode remains one of the most embarrassing national-security breaches involving a sitting member of Congress.
He has also leaned heavily into anti-Trump activism, promoting “No Kings” protest merchandise on his social media accounts and declaring on Kimmel:
“What the American people are saying right now is they want Donald Trump out of our homes, out of our streets, out of our lives, and out of this studio.”
Kimmel himself was briefly benched by the FCC in September after comments about Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
Swalwell’s 2026 gubernatorial bid marks his second attempt at higher office.
His 2020 presidential campaign collapsed almost immediately.
He was one of the first Democrats to drop out before the Iowa caucuses in his own birth state.
Crowded Democrat Field, Republicans Smell Opportunity
Swalwell joins an unusually large slate of Democratic contenders, including:
• former Rep. Katie Porter
• former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra
• former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
• billionaire Tom Steyer
• Diamond Resorts founder Stephen Cloobeck
• former State Controller Betty Yee
• former State Senate leader Toni Atkins
• State Superintendent Tony Thurmond
Sen. Alex Padilla, once considered a frontrunner, declined to enter the race.
Despite California’s deep-blue tilt, Republicans believe they have their strongest lineup in years.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News host Steve Hilton are both running and could benefit from continued frustration over cost-of-living spikes, crime, and housing shortages.
Swalwell enters the race with high name recognition but also years of political baggage, an active DOJ referral, and a record closely tied to the national Democrat leadership that California voters have expressed growing frustration with statewide.
The battle for Sacramento’s governor’s mansion is now officially underway.
Swalwell’s late-night rollout ensures it will be one of the most closely watched races of 2026.
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