California Governor Race Heats Up as Swalwell Faces Attacks

Swalwell emerges as a leading candidate, drawing criticism from rivals on both sides of the aisle

Mar. 20, 2026 at 7:18pm

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In the crowded race for California governor, Democratic U.S. House member Eric Swalwell has emerged as a leading candidate, drawing attacks from his rivals on both the left and right. Swalwell has received high-profile endorsements, but his opponents have ramped up negative publicity, questioning his residency status and his record on issues like immigration enforcement. The race remains fluid, with no clear frontrunner, as candidates jostle for advantage ahead of the June primary.

Why it matters

The California governor's race is a high-stakes contest that could have significant implications for the state's political landscape. With no dominant candidate, the race is wide open, and the attacks on Swalwell suggest his rivals see him as a potential frontrunner who needs to be taken down. The outcome of the race could shape California's policies on a range of issues, from the economy to social issues.

The details

Swalwell, a Democratic U.S. House member representing a district east of San Francisco, has faced a barrage of attacks from his rivals in the governor's race. Billionaire Tom Steyer has questioned Swalwell's residency status, arguing that he lives in California "on paper" but not in reality. Meanwhile, former Fox News host Steve Hilton has also raised questions about Swalwell's eligibility to run for governor due to residency concerns. Swalwell has disputed these claims, saying he maintains dual residences in California and Washington, D.C. and that his living arrangements are no different from other House members from the state.

  • Swalwell launched a presidential run in April 2019 but shuttered it a few months later.
  • Swalwell was among 75 Democrats who voted last year in favor of a GOP-sponsored resolution condemning an attack on a Colorado demonstration that was being held in support of Israeli hostages.
  • Mail-in voting for the California governor's race is scheduled to begin in early May 2026.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic U.S. House member representing a district east of San Francisco, who has emerged as a leading candidate in the crowded race for California governor.

Tom Steyer

A billionaire hedge fund manager-turned-liberal activist, who is one of the leading Democratic candidates in the California governor's race.

Steve Hilton

A former Fox News host and one of the leading Republican candidates in the California governor's race.

Katie Porter

A former Democratic U.S. House member, who is also a leading candidate in the California governor's race.

Chad Bianco

The Republican Riverside County Sheriff, who is also a leading candidate in the California governor's race.

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What they’re saying

“Whoever's head starts to stick up higher than the rest, the other candidates pick up their mallets and start to knock them back down.”

— Roger Salazar, Democratic consultant

“Tom Steyer has spent $100 MILLION lying about me.”

— Eric Swalwell

“Eric Swalwell voted to thank ICE. ICE needs to be abolished, not thanked.”

— Katie Porter, Former Democratic U.S. House member

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This race highlights the fluidity and competitiveness of the California governor's contest, with no clear frontrunner and candidates jockeying for advantage through a range of tactics, including attacks on their rivals. The outcome could have significant implications for the state's political landscape and policies.