In the California gubernatorial race, one of Rep. Eric Swalwell’s main Democratic rivals, Tom Steyer, has created a striking campaign advertisement that uses Swalwell’s own remarks against him. Swalwell, who has been making videos from a pool and a gym during the government shutdown in 2025, had initially aimed to criticize Republicans for their handling of the situation, repeatedly saying, “I should be working.”
The ad starts by stating, “Eric Swalwell’s job is to vote in Congress,” and juxtaposes clips of Swalwell urging his followers to get to work while he himself is poolside or at a gym. It highlights that, in 2025, he missed 95 votes—more than Congressman Raul Grijalva, even after Grijalva’s passing in March 2025.
Amid increasing criticism, it was noted that Swalwell had missed about 73% of roll call votes from September 2025 to February 2026. He announced his candidacy to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, and Steyer’s campaign claims Swalwell’s support has plummeted by 68% since he declared his run.
The ad concludes with a montage showing Swalwell at the gym, reiterating that perhaps he should focus on wearing a suit rather than lifting weights while in the Capitol. Overall, the criticism suggests that Swalwell is not holding up his end of the job while seeking a promotion.
Online reactions have been mixed, with one Democratic commentator describing Steyer’s ad as “barbaric,” and others noting that the Democratic primary will likely be intense. Swalwell has been protesting that he was sent home by Republicans for political absurdities, using that backdrop to express his desire to work on crucial issues like healthcare and economic costs.
Republicans, however, argue that the Democrats were pushing forward initiatives despite a lack of support during this politically charged time. Swalwell’s campaign strategy included not just political commentary but also personal fitness broadcasts, with videos shot while he engaged in various activities, including throwing a pitch at a minor league game.
Ultimately, Fox News Digital reached out to Swalwell for his take on the criticisms regarding his voting record but did not receive a response in time for publication.
