Eric Swalwell enters California Governor race, shaking up an already crowded 2026 field
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Nov 21, 2025, 23:49 IST
California’s 2026 governor race is wide open as Rep. Eric Swalwell enters, adding pressure to an already crowded Democratic field. Known for challenging Trump and serving on national security committees, Swalwell appeals to voters seeking a strong opponent to the president’s agenda. He faces competitors like Katie Porter, Xavier Becerra, and Antonio Villaraigosa while addressing controversies and major statewide issues including housing, water, and the budget.
California’s 2026 race for governor just got even more competitive. U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, a seven term Democrat from the Bay Area, has officially announced that he is running for the state’s Governor. His announcement came Thursday night and quickly grabbed attention across the state.
Eric Swalwell is 45 years old and is well known nationally for taking on former President Donald Trump for years. He first made headlines during the Trump presidency for his sharp criticism and frequent clashes with the administration. He later served as one of the House impeachment managers in Trump’s second impeachment trial.
Before joining Congress, Eric Swalwell worked as a prosecutor in Alameda County. Over his time in Washington he has served on the House Intelligence Committee and the CIA subcommittee, where he became a regular Democratic voice on national security, election interference and youth focused policy.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is finishing his final term, leaving the field wide open. Polls show that the Democrats still do not have a clear front runner.
Former Rep. Katie Porter led early polls but has struggled recently after viral clips raised questions about her temperament. She apologized but many Democratic strategists have been looking for alternatives.
Several other well-known Democrats are also running, including: Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and Former State Controller Betty Yee.
On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former UK political adviser Steve Hilton are the biggest names so far. Billionaire developer Rick Caruso is rumored to be considering the race as well.
Since Trump returned to the White House in January, many Democrats in California have been looking for leaders who will directly challenge the president’s agenda. Eric Swalwell is leaning into that reputation.
His announcement was followed by a strong reaction on social media. Eric Swalwell posted the news on X (formerly Twitter) from his official handle @ericswalwell, writing that, “California needs a fighter and protector. I’m running for Governor.”
![Eric Swalwell posted the news on X (formerly Twitter) from his official handle @ericswalwell, writing that, “California needs a fighter and protector. I’m running for Governor.”]()
His supporters quickly amplified the message by calling him tough, experienced and unafraid to stand up to Trump.
Eric Swalwell enters the race with a long political résumé but also a few controversies that critics continue to bring up.
Earlier this month, Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, an appointee in the Trump administration referred Eric Swalwell to the Justice Department over mortgage and tax related allegations. Eric Swalwell has denied the claims and Bill Pulte has made similar allegations against other Trump critics, including Rep. Adam Schiff.
Eric Swalwell has also been targeted for an alleged connection with a suspected Chinese intelligence operative from about a decade ago. The House Ethics Committee closed its inquiry and did not find wrong doing but Republicans have continued to use the story against him.
Whoever wins in November 2026 will inherit major statewide challenges: Ongoing water shortages, widening education gaps, severe housing crisis, record homelessness, high cost of living and a state budget struggling with repeated deficits. Voters are also worried about job growth, wildfire safety, and rising insurance costs, these issues will likely shape the race.
With no clear favorite and several big names still undecided, California’s governor race is expected to be one of the most watched elections in the country next year. Eric Swalwell’s entry makes the competition even sharper, especially among Democratic voters who want a strong opponent to Trump’s policies.
His campaign will begin traveling across the state next month, and more candidates may still jump in as the filing deadline gets closer.
Eric Swalwell is 45 years old and is well known nationally for taking on former President Donald Trump for years. He first made headlines during the Trump presidency for his sharp criticism and frequent clashes with the administration. He later served as one of the House impeachment managers in Trump’s second impeachment trial.
Before joining Congress, Eric Swalwell worked as a prosecutor in Alameda County. Over his time in Washington he has served on the House Intelligence Committee and the CIA subcommittee, where he became a regular Democratic voice on national security, election interference and youth focused policy.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is finishing his final term, leaving the field wide open. Polls show that the Democrats still do not have a clear front runner.
Former Rep. Katie Porter led early polls but has struggled recently after viral clips raised questions about her temperament. She apologized but many Democratic strategists have been looking for alternatives.
Several other well-known Democrats are also running, including: Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and Former State Controller Betty Yee.
On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former UK political adviser Steve Hilton are the biggest names so far. Billionaire developer Rick Caruso is rumored to be considering the race as well.
Since Trump returned to the White House in January, many Democrats in California have been looking for leaders who will directly challenge the president’s agenda. Eric Swalwell is leaning into that reputation.
His announcement was followed by a strong reaction on social media. Eric Swalwell posted the news on X (formerly Twitter) from his official handle @ericswalwell, writing that, “California needs a fighter and protector. I’m running for Governor.”
Eric Swalwell posted the news on X (formerly Twitter) from his official handle @ericswalwell, writing that, “California needs a fighter and protector. I’m running for Governor.”
His supporters quickly amplified the message by calling him tough, experienced and unafraid to stand up to Trump.
Eric Swalwell enters the race with a long political résumé but also a few controversies that critics continue to bring up.
Earlier this month, Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, an appointee in the Trump administration referred Eric Swalwell to the Justice Department over mortgage and tax related allegations. Eric Swalwell has denied the claims and Bill Pulte has made similar allegations against other Trump critics, including Rep. Adam Schiff.
Eric Swalwell has also been targeted for an alleged connection with a suspected Chinese intelligence operative from about a decade ago. The House Ethics Committee closed its inquiry and did not find wrong doing but Republicans have continued to use the story against him.
Whoever wins in November 2026 will inherit major statewide challenges: Ongoing water shortages, widening education gaps, severe housing crisis, record homelessness, high cost of living and a state budget struggling with repeated deficits. Voters are also worried about job growth, wildfire safety, and rising insurance costs, these issues will likely shape the race.
With no clear favorite and several big names still undecided, California’s governor race is expected to be one of the most watched elections in the country next year. Eric Swalwell’s entry makes the competition even sharper, especially among Democratic voters who want a strong opponent to Trump’s policies.
His campaign will begin traveling across the state next month, and more candidates may still jump in as the filing deadline gets closer.