CA Gubernatorial Candidate Swalwell Rents Room in Family Home

Opponent claims Swalwell only lives in California "on paper" to meet residency requirements

Mar. 11, 2026 at 11:20pm

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California Republican gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell has been accused by his Democratic opponent, billionaire Tom Steyer, of only renting a single room in a family's home near Fresno in order to claim he lives in the state and meet residency requirements to run for governor. Steyer's attorney has called on the California Secretary of State to investigate Swalwell's eligibility, arguing the arrangement raises questions about his legitimacy as a candidate.

Why it matters

The residency dispute could become a major issue in the California governor's race, with Steyer's camp arguing it could allow the Trump administration to "sow doubt" and "exploit the ambiguity" around Swalwell's eligibility if he were to win. This could potentially impact the state's access to federal funds and resources.

The details

Swalwell, a U.S. Congressman, reportedly rents a single room in a home occupied by a family of three in Livermore, California. The home is owned by Nicolas and Kristina Mrzywka, and Kristina's sister Stephanie Sbranti is married to Tim Sbranti, Swalwell's former deputy chief of staff. Sbranti said he suggested Swalwell rent the room as an affordable base in the expensive district. Swalwell has submitted a declaration stating he has been a California resident since 2006 and leased the Livermore property since 2017.

  • Swalwell began renting the room in Livermore in June 2017.
  • Steyer's attorney sent a letter to the California Secretary of State on March 6, 2026 calling for an investigation into Swalwell's residency.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A U.S. Congressman and Republican candidate for California governor.

Tom Steyer

A billionaire and Swalwell's Democratic opponent in the California governor's race.

Shirley Weber

The California Secretary of State.

Nicolas and Kristina Mrzywka

The owners of the Livermore home where Swalwell rents a room.

Stephanie Sbranti

The sister of Kristina Mrzywka and the wife of Tim Sbranti, Swalwell's former deputy chief of staff.

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What they’re saying

“If elected, questions of legitimacy would hang over Swalwell, allowing the Trump Administration to sow doubt, exploit the ambiguity, and advance its perverse agendas.”

— Ryan Hughes, Attorney for Tom Steyer

“Mr. Swalwell pays rent pursuant to our lease agreement every month. He lives at the property when he is in the East Bay, and keeps significant belongings there. Mr. Swalwell receives mail at the property and is registered to vote at the address.”

— Kristina Mrzywka, Landlord

What’s next

The California Secretary of State will decide whether to investigate Swalwell's residency status and eligibility to run for governor.

The takeaway

This dispute over Swalwell's living arrangements highlights the complex legal and political issues around residency requirements for elected offices, which could have significant implications for the California governor's race and the state's relationship with the federal government.