Swalwell Accuses Steyer of Endangering His Kids by Releasing Home Address

Congressman says opponent's residency challenge has led to death threats and harassment

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:57pm

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California gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell has accused his opponent Tom Steyer of endangering his family by publicly releasing his private home address. Steyer has questioned Swalwell's eligibility to run for governor, claiming he may not meet California's residency requirements, and shared a list of addresses associated with Swalwell. Swalwell says he receives hundreds of death threats per year and his children are not allowed in the yard due to security concerns, which is why his address is private. Swalwell and his landlord have submitted sworn declarations that he lives in Livermore, California and meets the residency criteria.

Why it matters

This dispute over Swalwell's residency highlights the personal and security risks that can arise from political battles, especially when private information is made public. It also raises questions about the appropriate ways to challenge a candidate's eligibility and the balance between transparency and privacy in the political process.

The details

Steyer publicly questioned Swalwell's eligibility to run for governor, claiming he may not meet California's residency requirements, and shared a list of addresses associated with Swalwell. In response, Swalwell and his landlord submitted sworn declarations that he lives in Livermore, California and meets the residency criteria to serve as governor. Swalwell says Steyer's actions have led to death threats, harassment of his neighbors, and security concerns for his family.

  • On March 5, Steyer petitioned the California secretary of state to "enforce the [residency] requirements of the California Constitution."
  • On March 6, Swalwell's landlord submitted a sworn declaration that the congressman has rented and lived at her Livermore, California residence since 2017.
  • On March 6, Swalwell also submitted a declaration stating he holds a California driver's license and is a licensed attorney with the California State Bar.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A California congressman and Democratic candidate for governor who is accused by his opponent of not meeting the state's residency requirements.

Tom Steyer

A businessman and Democratic candidate for California governor who has questioned Swalwell's eligibility to run and publicly released information about Swalwell's addresses.

Swalwell's Landlord

The owner of the Livermore, California residence where Swalwell has rented and lived since 2017, according to a sworn declaration.

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What they’re saying

“I receive hundreds of death threats every year. My children are not allowed in the yard. That's why my address is private. And now Tom Steyer has not only put my life at risk but also my family's by releasing my address.”

— Eric Swalwell, Congressman and California Gubernatorial Candidate

“Tom, you can try to buy this election all you want, but this is low, even for you.”

— Eric Swalwell, Congressman and California Gubernatorial Candidate

What’s next

The California secretary of state will review Steyer's petition and determine whether to pursue "robust legal proceedings" regarding Swalwell's residency eligibility.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the personal and security risks that can arise from political battles, especially when private information is made public. It also raises questions about the appropriate ways to challenge a candidate's eligibility and the balance between transparency and privacy in the political process.