Swalwell Gains Support from Hollywood in California Governor Race
It appears that Eric Swalwell, a Democratic congressman from the East Bay, has captured the attention of Hollywood’s donor circle in his campaign for governor of California. Reports indicate he has raised over $100,000 from entertainment industry figures, making him the top candidate in this regard as he seeks to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Among his notable contributors is actor Sean Penn, who has donated $15,000. Following closely are A-listers Robert De Niro and Jon Hamm, each giving $10,000, along with Jon Cryer, who is also from “Two and a Half Men.” Additionally, the late director Rob Reiner made a $10,000 donation prior to his passing.
Interestingly, Swalwell has faced criticism for having missed more House votes than any other member of Congress last year. His absences have raised eyebrows, particularly as some occurred while he was attending glamorous events. For instance, he skipped a crucial vote to attend the premiere of HBO’s “White Lotus” in Los Angeles, with its producer contributing $20,000 to his campaign.
Besides these, the producer of “The Night Agent” and Alex Baskin of “Vanderpump Rules” also made significant contributions. Other high-profile donations came from comedian Kathy Griffin, who added $10,000, and Brian Lard, the CEO of Creative Artists Agency, who contributed $12,500.
Hollywood’s financial support for Swalwell may stem from various fears, notably concerns about artificial intelligence potentially impacting the industry. Larry Gerston, a political science professor, pointed out that many in Hollywood are alarmed at the prospect of being replaced by AI technologies.
Despite efforts from the current governor to double the state’s film and television tax credits last summer, some believe Hollywood is still looking elsewhere for better deals. As the content landscape rapidly changes, actors and producers are prioritizing candidates who reflect their values and interests.
Amidst the competition, former Congresswoman Katie Porter is working to gather support from Hollywood’s elite as well, claiming contributions from Jane Fonda and others. Experts noted that there is a growing focus on women’s issues among the Hollywood crowd.
Porter has also received attention for a controversial incident involving his staffers, which highlights the unpredictable nature of campaign dynamics.
Xavier Becerra, a former congressman and California attorney general, launched his campaign with a strong donor list, having previously secured significant contributions from major industry figures like director Steven Spielberg.
In contrast, some candidates, like former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, seem to struggle with attracting the same level of star power.
As the primaries approach, it’s anticipated that more Hollywood figures may ramp up their donations, but it’s unclear whether this will truly influence voter decisions.
In a landscape where Hollywood endorsements are often taken for granted, some experts caution that celebrity support can be hit or miss, stressing that public perception doesn’t always align with the glitz and glam.
