Eric Swalwell declares his candidacy for governor of California

Swalwell Launches Campaign for California Governor in 2026

On Thursday, California Congressman Eric Swalwell declared his intention to run for governor in the upcoming 2026 election.

Known for his criticisms of former President Donald Trump, Swalwell made this announcement during an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

He quipped on social media, “He will hate tonight’s episode,” in response to Trump’s disparaging comments about Kimmel.

If elected, Swalwell promised to be a “defender and warrior” for Californians.

He shared with the San Francisco Chronicle that he believes the next governor should focus on two main objectives. “First, to keep Trump out of our homes, our streets, and our lives,” he articulated, further emphasizing the need to “write a new California story about affordability, business growth, and modernizing our state.”

In a later statement to MediasTouch, he mentioned, “I’m running for governor for all Californians.” He added that he comes from a family with Republican roots, with a law enforcement background, which shapes his understanding of safety concerns across party lines.

Swalwell is vying to replace current Governor Gavin Newsom, who is also a Democrat, following the 2026 election.

Other Democratic contenders for the position include former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, while the Republican side features former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.