Overview
- The Bay Area congressman declared his bid on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and his campaign website, seeking to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.
- Swalwell is centering his message on lowering costs and a “new California,” while pledging to confront President Donald Trump’s agenda.
- He joins a crowded field that includes Democrats Katie Porter, Xavier Becerra, Antonio Villaraigosa, Betty Yee, Tony Thurmond, and Tom Steyer, plus Republicans Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton, with the top-two primary set for June 2, 2026.
- Earlier this month, FHFA Director Bill Pulte referred Swalwell to the Justice Department over alleged mortgage and tax fraud, a move he rejects as politically driven.
- Steyer’s entry this week underscores the role of wealthy contenders, and recent polling shows no clear frontrunner with many voters still undecided.