Summary (tl;dr)

U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell, a Democrat from California, has officially announced his bid to run for Governor of California in the 2026 election.

Essential Background

Eric Swalwell is a seven-term Democratic U.S. Representative, known for his vocal opposition to former President Donald Trump, including serving as a House impeachment manager during Trump's second impeachment trial. He previously mounted a short-lived campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020. The current California Governor, Gavin Newsom, is term-limited and cannot seek re-election, opening up a competitive race for the state's highest office.

The Full Story

On Thursday night, November 20, 2025, Congressman Eric Swalwell formally declared his candidacy for Governor of California in the upcoming 2026 election. The announcement was made during an appearance on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and concurrently on his campaign website. Swalwell presented himself as a "fighter and protector" for California, stating his platform would focus on addressing high prices and safeguarding the state from policies he attributes to the Trump administration. His entry adds another prominent figure to an already growing field of candidates vying for the gubernatorial seat. Swalwell also addressed recent allegations of mortgage and tax fraud, which a Trump administration official referred to the Justice Department, dismissing them as "nonsense" and politically motivated.

Why It Matters

Swalwell's entry into the California gubernatorial race is significant as it introduces a nationally recognized figure with a strong anti-Trump platform into what is already shaping up to be a competitive contest in the nation's most populous state. His campaign is expected to energize Democratic voters, given his established profile and consistent criticism of the former president. The outcome of this election will determine the future leadership of California, a state with considerable economic and political influence, and will shape its approach to critical issues such as affordability and federal relations.

Geographic Location

• Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (Rep. Eric Swalwell announced his candidacy for California Governor on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!")
• California, United States (state for which Eric Swalwell is running for governor)