Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell has officially launched his campaign for California governor, entering an already crowded race to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom. The East Bay congressman announced his candidacy Thursday night on his new campaign website and later revealed it publicly during an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, where he received a standing ovation from the audience.
Swalwell Says California Needs a “Fighter and Protector”
During the show, Swalwell framed himself as a long-time defender of democratic institutions and a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump.
“Our state needs a fighter and a protector,” Swalwell told Kimmel. “I’ve been in these fights as a City Council member in my hometown Dublin, as a prosecutor in Oakland, and as a member of Congress taking on the most corrupt president ever — but now I’m ready to bring this fight home.”
Swalwell also commented on federal documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, saying he does not trust that the files will be released in full despite President Trump signing a law requiring the Justice Department to do so within 30 days.
For reference, DOJ public releases can be viewed through the U.S. Department of Justice.
A Crowded Race to Replace Gov. Gavin Newsom
Swalwell, 45, enters a competitive field of high-profile candidates, including:
Democrats
- Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services
- Katie Porter, former U.S. representative
- Antonio Villaraigosa, former Los Angeles mayor
- Tom Steyer, billionaire activist
Republicans
- Steve Hilton, political commentator
- Chad Bianco, Riverside County sheriff
Gov. Gavin Newsom is unable to run again due to California’s two-term limit.
Swalwell currently represents California’s 14th Congressional District, covering much of the East Bay. He has served in the House since 2013, previously working as a prosecutor in Alameda County. In 2020, he briefly ran for president, centering his campaign on gun control and advocating a national ban on assault-style rifles.
For election information, voters can refer to the California Secretary of State official website.
Swalwell Responds to Recent Trump Administration Allegations
Last week, the Trump administration referred Swalwell to the Justice Department over alleged tax and mortgage fraud—claims Swalwell dismissed on Kimmel as “nonsense.”
“The only thing that surprises me is that it took him this long to come after me,” Swalwell said.
Swalwell and the former president have a long history of political conflict. He has frequently described himself as “the most vocal critic of Donald Trump over the last decade,” and he served as an impeachment manager during Trump’s second impeachment trial. He also has a pending civil lawsuit alleging Trump’s actions contributed to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
As the 2026 race begins to take shape, Swalwell’s candidacy is expected to draw national attention due to his long-running and publicly documented clashes with Trump and his aggressive posture on progressive policy.
