Infamous anti-Trump activist Rep. Eric Swalwell has launched his 2026 bid for California governor with a video filmed in his Washington, D.C., home. While the California Democrat offered bromides about affordability, he is currently under DOJ scrutiny for alleged mortgage and tax fraud, and records show he has not owned any California property in over a decade, a fact which could prevent him from running.
Swalwell is entering a crowded field led by Katie Porter (15.7% in polls). While Swalwell faces probes alongside other Democrats like Adam Schiff, he vows to persist amid felony threats that could bar him from candidacy.
Announcing his campaign, the controversial California Democrat, one who is much disliked by many in MAGA and is facing a mortgage fraud case brought by the DOJ, said, “Prices are too high, and people are scared,” adding, “This great state needs a fighter and a protector. No one will keep California safer.”
Later, in a biased, over-the-top interview with divisive comedian Jimmy Kimmel, he continued his dubious claims. “We can say that we’re the fourth largest economy in the world — and we are, and I love to brag about that — but what does that mean if you can’t afford to live here?” Swalwell asked.
Still not done, he said, “I’ve worked as a planning commissioner and city councilman in a place of low income and low expectations and helped lead my hometown to become one of California’s most prosperous cities. I’ll take that approach to the whole state.”
In another appearance, Swalwell blamed the president for the fraud allegations that have clouded his political career. “As the most vocal critic of Donald Trump over the last decade and as the only person who still has a surviving lawsuit against him, the only thing I am surprised about is that it took him this long to come after me,” Swallwell whined, “Of course, I will not end my lawsuit against him. And I will not stop speaking out against the President and speaking up for Californians.”
Laying out the problems with his decision to run, one user noted, “Eric Swalwell is either the dumbest or most incompetent Democrat or both! Swalewell’s ‘principal residence’ mortgage documents are ALL online & public information. No violation of privacy act whatsoever. Not private records! Swalwell is DISQUALIFIED from running for CA governor!”
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Speculating along the same lines, another comment guessed, “Eric Swalwell cannot legally run for California governor. The state constitution requires five years of residency immediately preceding the election… Swalwell’s mortgage documents declare his Washington, D.C. home as his principal residence, indicating he is not domiciled in California.”
However, the irritating California representative claimed he had “explicitly disclaimed any intent to occupy the District of Columbia home as his primary residence in a sworn affidavit attached to his mortgage agreement.”
Pivoting back to tired woke platitudes, Swalwell seems eager to move past this scandal. In a post to social media, he claimed, “As governor, California will be a state where you can take your first job, have your first kid, and buy your first home in the same decade.”
Watch Letitia James melt down after having to go to court for similar charges to those Swalwell faces here: