Doubts Raised Over Swalwell's California Residency in Governor's Race

Neighbors say they've never seen the Democratic frontrunner at his claimed Livermore home, raising 'red flags' among party members.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:24am

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Rep. Eric Swalwell's claims about living in a rented California home have raised 'red flags' among members of the state Democratic Party after multiple neighbors at his supposed home of nine years have never seen or met him. Swalwell's unusual housing arrangement and frequent campaign spending on luxury hotels in and around his district have brought the congressman's California residency under fire, with some Democrats worried his candidacy may be tainted if he is found to not actually live in the state.

Why it matters

Swalwell is the Democratic frontrunner for California governor, and his residency issues have become a major concern for the party. If Swalwell is found to not be a true California resident, it could disqualify him from the race and potentially allow a Republican candidate to advance to the general election, which Democrats are desperate to avoid.

The details

Swalwell claims he has lived since 2017 with another family in a 1,350-square-foot Livermore home owned by the sister-in-law of his political mentor, Tim Sbranti. However, five neighbors failed to identify Swalwell when shown his picture, with one saying she's lived on the street her whole life and has 'never seen him.' Swalwell's campaign has refused to release any documentation or bank statements regarding a lease, and records show he has spent significant time and money staying at hotels in and around his congressional district.

  • Swalwell filed a sworn affidavit in 2017 claiming he has lived in Livermore since that year.
  • A court hearing on a lawsuit challenging Swalwell's residency claims is scheduled for later this month.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic congressman who is the frontrunner in the California governor's race, but whose residency claims have come under scrutiny.

Tim Sbranti

Swalwell's former political mentor, whose sister-in-law owns the Livermore home that Swalwell claims to rent.

Lee Fink

An Orange County attorney who worked in the Obama administration and now serves as a delegate for the California Democratic Party.

Ryan Hughes

An attorney for progressive billionaire Tom Steyer, who has called for an investigation into Swalwell's residency claims.

Steve Hilton

A Republican former Fox News host who is running for California governor and has called for Swalwell to be disqualified from the race.

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What they’re saying

“There's red flags all over the place — that his neighbors don't know he's there suggests that he's not actually there.”

— Lee Fink, Orange County attorney and California Democratic Party delegate

“Swalwell's fake residency disqualifies him from running for CA Governor! This fraud doesn't even live in California!”

— Steve Hilton, Republican candidate for California governor

What’s next

A court hearing on a lawsuit challenging Swalwell's residency claims is scheduled for later this month, which could determine whether the congressman is eligible to run for California governor.

The takeaway

Swalwell's residency issues have become a major concern for the California Democratic Party, with fears that if he is found ineligible, it could open the door for a Republican candidate to win the governor's race. The party is now grappling with how to address these doubts and ensure their frontrunner can remain a viable candidate.