Overview
- Conservative filmmaker Joel Gilbert filed a Jan. 8 petition in Sacramento seeking a writ of mandate against Secretary of State Shirley Weber to remove Rep. Eric Swalwell from the gubernatorial ballot.
- The filing argues Swalwell’s principal residence is a Washington, D.C., home identified as such on an April 2022 mortgage and says public records show no California property ownership.
- The petition claims the California address Swalwell listed on Dec. 4 campaign paperwork is his attorney’s office in downtown Sacramento rather than a residence.
- California’s constitution requires a governor to have been a state resident for the five years immediately preceding the election, a standard the petition says Swalwell does not meet.
- Swalwell and his campaign reject the allegations, saying he maintains a Bay Area residence, holds a California driver’s license, pays California taxes, and used a campaign office address due to safety concerns, with the dispute now before the courts and no decision issued.