Swalwell's Residency Questioned as California Governor Race Heats Up

Congressman accused of living outside district he represents, raising concerns about his eligibility for state's top job.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:08am

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Congressman Eric Swalwell, a Democratic candidate for California governor, is facing questions about his residency after reports suggest he may be living in a rented room in Livermore, California - outside the district he represents in Congress. This comes as Swalwell, who has a history of controversial statements and actions, leads other Democrats in early polling for the gubernatorial race.

Why it matters

Swalwell's residency issues raise concerns about his eligibility and commitment to the district he was elected to serve, as well as broader questions about his judgment and fitness for the governor's office. California's residency requirements for gubernatorial candidates are meant to ensure candidates have a strong connection to the state.

The details

Swalwell has been accused of living in a single rented room in Livermore, California, rather than the $1.2 million home he and his family purchased near the U.S. Capitol in 2020. Neighbors say they have rarely seen Swalwell at the Livermore address he claims as his residence. Swalwell has defended the Livermore address, saying publicizing his family's actual home would endanger them, though he has openly shared details about that home in the past.

  • Swalwell purchased a $1.2 million home near the U.S. Capitol in 2020.
  • Swalwell has claimed to reside in a rented room in Livermore, California since 2017.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic Congressman representing California's 15th district, who is currently running for Governor of California.

California Post Editorial Board

The editorial board of the nypost.com publication that originally reported on Swalwell's residency issues.

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What they’re saying

“Does the wannabe gov reside in one rented room in Livermore, Calif. — not far from swanky hotels he frequents — in the district he represents?”

— CA Post Editorial Board

“If by 'commute to' he meant buy a home there, move his family there, and then stay in hotels when 'home' in his district, then yes, promise kept.”

— CA Post Editorial Board

What’s next

The judge in Swalwell's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him to remain on the ballot for the California governor's race given the residency questions.

The takeaway

Swalwell's residency issues highlight broader concerns about his judgment and fitness for the California governor's office, given his history of controversial statements and actions. Voters will have to weigh these concerns as the gubernatorial race heats up.