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Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., announced on Thursday he is launching a campaign for California governor in 2026.
The congressman and longtime foe of President Donald Trump made the announcement during an appearance on the late-night show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
“He’s going to hate tonight’s episode,” Swalwell wrote on X in response to a social media post from the president criticizing Kimmel for being “biased” and having “no talent.”
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Rep. Eric Swalwell announced he is launching a campaign for California governor in 2026. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
The Democrat lawmaker vowed to be a “protector and fighter” if elected governor.
Swalwell told the San Francisco Chronicle ahead of his announcement that the next governor of the Golden State should have two objectives.
“One, keep Trump out of our homes, streets and lives,” he said, adding that the second is to “write the story of a new California on lower prices, on business growth and modernizing the state.”
The congressman made the announcement during an appearance on the late-night show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
“I’m running to be a governor for all Californians,” he later told MediasTouch. “I’m the son of two Republicans, the son of a cop, and I grew up in a law-enforcement family. I worked as a prosecutor myself. I know that whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat in this state, public safety for yourself, your kids, and your community is a top priority.”
Swalwell is seeking to replace California Gov. Gavin Newsom, also a Democrat, after the 2026 gubernatorial election.
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Rep. Eric Swalwell is seeking to replace California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is term limited. (Getty Images)
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Other candidates include former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter and billionaire activist and 2020 presidential candidate Tom Steyer for the Democrats and former host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco for the Republicans.
Newsom, who is term limited as governor, has been floated as a potential top candidate for the Democratic presidential primary in 2028.
