Rep. Eric Swalwell made his first official campaign stop in Altadena on Friday, visiting a community still recovering from recent wildfires as he begins his run for California governor. The Democratic congressman emphasized that Californians are facing rising costs, safety concerns, and a series of interlocking crises—and he argues he’s prepared to confront them head-on.
“People are scared and prices are high,” Swalwell said to supporters. “I’ve been a fighter and protector for this state in Congress. I’ve done everything I can to prevent the president from impacting our homes, our streets, and our lives—because that’s what Californians want right now.”
He added that California needs leadership that is “inventive and imaginative” in distributing resources to keep the state thriving through periods of instability.
A Crowded Field to Replace Gov. Gavin Newsom
Swalwell joins an already packed slate of candidates seeking to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited.
New entries include billionaire businessman and climate activist Tom Steyer, who also announced his candidacy this week.
The Democratic field now includes:
- Former Rep. Katie Porter
- Businessman Stephen Cloobeck
- Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
- Former U.S. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra
- Former State Controller Betty Yee
- State Superintendent Tony Thurmond
On the Republican side, candidates include Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News host Steve Hilton.
According to political analyst Dan Schnur, who teaches at USC and UC Berkeley (hyperlink: UC Berkeley official website), voters may be looking for a governor with more detailed and cohesive state-focused policy proposals after Newsom’s national profile.
“I suspect Californians will want someone who not only opposes Donald Trump but also presents a comprehensive agenda for the state’s major crises,” Schnur said.
Swalwell Promises Campaign Focused on State Issues
Swalwell, who gained national visibility for his critiques of former President Trump, said his campaign will focus primarily on local and statewide challenges, including:
- Housing affordability
- Homelessness
- Energy infrastructure
- Education
- Economic growth
He highlighted the importance of the entertainment industry, calling film and television production the “bread and butter” of California’s economy.
“I want California to be the easiest place—not the hardest—to film,” Swalwell said. He proposed an above-the-line tax credit aimed at reviving TV and film production and preventing projects from relocating to other states.
The California Secretary of State’s Office (hyperlink: California SOS official website) confirmed that the filing deadline for the 2026 governor’s race is February 2026, with the statewide primary scheduled for June 2026. Additional candidates may still enter the race.
Swalwell’s campaign is expected to ramp up throughout the winter as candidates compete for visibility in one of the most high-profile gubernatorial contests in the country.
