A Campaign Launched on Late Night Television
Rep. Eric Swalwell, a Democrat known nationally for his role as a House manager in President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial, formally entered the California governor’s race on Thursday night. He made the announcement during an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” emphasizing his intention to focus on household economics and stability for working families.
“Our state, this great state, needs a fighter and a protector,” he told viewers. “Someone who will bring prices down, lift wages up.” Swalwell framed the campaign as an effort to help residents manage rising costs and regain a sense of security in a politically tense environment.
Positioning Against Trump’s Policies
Swalwell also pointed to ongoing tensions with President Trump as a defining part of his message. He said he was ready “to bring this fight home,” arguing that federal actions have contributed to a sense of vulnerability in California. His campaign website echoed those themes, criticizing what he described as aggressive federal interventions.
According to the campaign statement, Trump “has militarized our streets, canceled cancer research, zeroed out clean energy climate projects, and is chasing our immigrant friends and neighbors through their workplaces, kids’ schools, and houses of worship.” Swalwell’s announcement came during a week in which Trump escalated attacks on both ABC and Kimmel. The network briefly suspended the host in September following comments he made after the assassination of GOP activist Charlie Kirk, before reinstating him amid public backlash.
Swalwell’s Background and Political Path
Swalwell has represented a northern California district since 2012 and has built a national profile through his work on intelligence and national security issues. He ran in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary before exiting the race and endorsing Joe Biden. His experience, he argues, positions him to address the challenges facing one of the nation’s largest states.
His launch adds to a crowded field in the June all party primary, where the top two finishers will advance to the November general election. More than a half dozen Democrats and two Republicans are competing for the seat held by Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is term limited.
A Growing Field of High Profile Candidates
Among Democrats, the race already includes billionaire activist Tom Steyer, former Rep. Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. The contest is expected to draw intense national interest, given California’s size, political influence and long running debates over economic policy, immigration and environmental priorities.
Swalwell’s early messaging centers on affordability, wages and public safety, with an emphasis on presenting himself as a defender of California’s values during a period of heightened conflict with federal leadership. How voters respond to that pitch will become clearer as the primary approaches and the crowded field begins to take shape.
