Eric Swalwell Launches Run for California Governor

Rep. Eric Swalwell late Thursday evening announced his candidacy for governor of California, entering the crowded race to succeed the term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Swalwell, a Democrat who has represented California in Congress since 2013, announced his campaign on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and via his campaign website.

“Our state, this great state, needs a fighter,” Swalwell said on the late-night show.

Swalwell is known in part for his outspoken criticism of President Donald Trump. He served as a House impeachment manager for Trump’s second impeachment and later joined other Democrats in civil litigation tied to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, positioning himself as a leading voice against Trump-aligned forces in Washington.

He is also a regular target of the president. A Trump administration official referred Swalwell to the Justice Department for alleged mortgage fraud, which the lawmaker denies and Democrats have said is part of a pattern of the president targeting his political foes.

Swalwell said his agenda is centered on two main objectives: protecting California against threats from Trump-era policies and constructing a “new California” emphasizing modernization, business expansion and increased affordability.

“I’m running for Governor because prices are too high and people are scared,” his campaign website declared.

“The President has militarized our streets, canceled cancer research, zeroed out clean energy climate projects, and is chasing our immigrant friends and neighbors through their workplaces, kids’ schools, and houses of worship. A lot of candidates talk about taking on Trump. I’m taking him on in real time,” Swalwell said in a statement on his website.

The race is packed with high-profile contenders including former Rep. Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra and billionaire megadonor Tom Steyer.