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Is Eric Swalwell Running for Governor?

Jeff Charles
Jeff Charles  |  November 17, 2025 3:15 PM

California’s gubernatorial race is about to get quite entertaining. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) is reportedly on the verge of throwing his hat into the ring to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom and his hair gel.

Swalwell has not announced his candidacy yet, and reports suggest he is simply “considering” a run for governor.

From Punchbowl News:

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) is considering a bid for governor of California and is expected to make a decision within the coming weeks, according to a source familiar with his plans.

The 44-year-old Swalwell was first elected to Congress in 2012, defeating longtime Rep. Pete Stark (D-Calif.). Swalwell has made a name for himself by being a vocal critic of President Donald Trump. He was a manager for the second Trump impeachment trial in 2021.

A Trump administration official, Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, has referred a case to the Justice Department accusing Swalwell of mortgage fraud. Swalwell has called the charges baseless, chalking up the move as a result of his opposition to Trump.

Swalwell also clashed frequently with former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a close Trump ally. McCarthy blocked Swalwell from serving on the Intelligence Committee over allegations that an alleged Chinese spy tried to target him. Swalwell denied any wrongdoing, and an investigation into the case didn’t turn up any wrongdoing by the California Democrat.

Swalwell — a seven-term House member — declined to comment on whether he’ll run for governor of the Golden State.

But a recent survey conducted by an outside group supporting the congressman showed Swalwell in fourth place. He polled better than candidates who have been in the race for months.

Republican Steve Hilton, a British-American Fox News contributor, took first place with 20%, followed by former Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) with 16% and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican, with 14%. Swalwell is next with 11% of the vote.

It’s still early, but polls show that California voters are still obsessed with President Donald Trump, but desire a far-leftist candidate.

The survey of 1,000 likely primary voters was conducted in late October by EMC Research.

The poll also asked what voters are looking for in a nominee. 77% said someone who will “stand up to Trump and Republicans to protect democratic values.” Sixty-five percent said they wanted a current elected official. A little over half, 54%, said a progressive Democrat. Fifty-four percent also said they wanted a woman, which cuts against Swalwell.

Sixty-two percent of registered Democratic voters have a favorable view of Swalwell. Sixty-four percent have a favorable view of Porter and 68% have a favorable view of Becerra.

Another indicator that Swalwell is going to run is that he recently took a tour of Sacramento and has taken a poll to assess his chances of winning. 

There could be a few complications associated with a Swalwell candidacy. The lawmaker was recently referred to the Justice Department for criminal charges related to mortgage fraud. He allegedly claimed his California and Washington, D.C. homes as primary residences in mortgage applications.

Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Chair Bill Pulte brought the referral and also indicated Swalwell could have committed tax fraud.

Of course, Swalwell has denied the allegations, claiming they are politically motivated. To be fair, most California voters would likely agree with him on this, so it might not be much of a hindrance to his campaign.