Former Alameda County DA Blasts Gubernatorial Hopeful Over Racist Video Repost

Pamela Price condemns Eric Swalwell for sharing 'dehumanizing' video of her on social media

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Former Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price held a press conference during the California Democratic Party Convention, calling on party leaders to condemn gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell for reposting what she described as a racist and dehumanizing video of her. Price accused Swalwell of engaging in 'petty politics disguised as public discourse' and compared his actions to the inflammatory rhetoric of former President Donald Trump.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party and the challenges of maintaining civil discourse, especially during high-stakes political campaigns. Price's accusations against Swalwell could potentially impact his gubernatorial bid and the party's unity heading into the election.

The details

Price said Swalwell's decision to share the video with his more than 460,000 social media followers represented 'an all-time low in civic discourse.' She compared Swalwell's actions to the inflammatory rhetoric of former President Donald Trump, accusing the congressman of engaging in 'petty politics disguised as public discourse.' Price was joined by members of the party's Black Caucus and Progressive Caucus, who she said were 'shocked' by the repost. The news conference called on Democratic leaders to formally denounce the video and Swalwell's decision to amplify it.

  • On Feb. 21, 2026, Price held a press conference during the California Democratic Party Convention.
  • In December 2025, Price announced she is seeking to reclaim the Alameda County District Attorney seat she lost in a 2024 recall election.

The players

Pamela Price

Former Alameda County District Attorney who is seeking to reclaim the seat she lost in a 2024 recall election.

Eric Swalwell

U.S. Congressman representing California's 14th Congressional District and a declared candidate for California governor.

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What they’re saying

“It was disparaging enough that the video was first posted on the Internet in 2024, but Congressman Eric Swalwell added insult to injury by reposting it to share with his network.”

— Pamela Price, Former Alameda County District Attorney (lafocusnews.com)

“To post the statement 'Why dehumanize someone you disagree with? This bigotry doesn't make a point. It sets your point back. Let's do better' while at the same time posting the dehumanizing video, is gaslighting and disingenuous.”

— Pamela Price, Former Alameda County District Attorney (lafocusnews.com)

“With this type of poisonous discourse Eric Swalwell is tantamount to Trump. I agree with Swalwell, 'Let's Do Better.' Let's do better than to have someone like Swalwell who has consistently demonstrated such a lack of character and wisdom leading the 4th largest economy in the world.”

— Pamela Price, Former Alameda County District Attorney (lafocusnews.com)

What’s next

The California Democratic Party leadership is expected to respond to Price's call for them to formally denounce Swalwell's actions in the coming days.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party and the challenges of maintaining civil discourse, especially during high-stakes political campaigns. Price's accusations against Swalwell could potentially impact his gubernatorial bid and the party's unity heading into the election.