Polling Average
20%15%10%5%0%
11.1%
17.3%
14.4%
11.1%
10.7%
6.9%
Democrat
Eric Swalwell
California Governor primary: 1st place
$5.7M
JUN 2, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleFormer U.S. Representative
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyModerate Democrat
Age45 years old (Nov 16, 1980)
GenderMale
Show moreShow less
LocationCalifornia
BackgroundAttorney
EducationB.A., University of Maryland, College Park (2003)
Notable personal detailsEric Michael Swalwell is an American lawyer and politician who has represented California in the U.S. House of Representatives since January 3, 2013 (CA-15 from 2013–2023; CA-14 from 2023–present). He previously served on the Dublin City Council (2010–2013) and worked as a prosecutor in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, including leading its Hate Crimes Unit. He earned a B.A. from the University of Maryland, College Park and a J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law. Swalwell is a candidate for governor of California in 2026.
SourcesShowHide
swalwell.house.govgovinfo.govericswalwell.comen.wikipedia.orgwikidata.orgnypost.comapnews.comrepbio.orggivegreen.comfoxnews.comforbes.comwashingtonpost.comontheissues.orgabc7news.comsecular.orgthewrap.comcbsnews.comaxios.comvoteview.comlatimes.comcss.washingtonpost.comclerk.house.govhistory.house.goves.wikipedia.orghouse.govradiotv.house.govethics.house.govpressgallery.house.govintelligence.house.govfr.wikipedia.orgit.wikipedia.orgdemocrats-intelligence.house.govdemocrats-foreignaffairs.house.govnorcross.house.govcha.house.govziplook.house.govcongress.govcrenshaw.house.govsubstack.govtrack.usdisclosures-clerk.house.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports raising taxes on the wealthy and enforcing corporate tax fairness while opposing tax cuts that primarily benefit the top 1%; backs measures to fund IRS enforcement and a corporate minimum tax to ensure large corporations and high earners pay more. Also supports targeted economic relief and tax credits for workers and families.
Healthcare
Supports expanding access to care through strengthening the Affordable Care Act and a government-run public option (described as "Medicare for All who want it") while preserving private insurance choices. Advocates funding research and protections for reproductive and preventive care.
Show moreShow less
Immigration & Border
Supports comprehensive immigration reform including a pathway to earned citizenship for undocumented immigrants and protections for Dreamers and other vulnerable groups while also endorsing measures to secure the border and remove undocumented immigrants who commit serious crimes. Has cosponsored the U.S. Citizenship Act and the American Dream and Promise Act and has sponsored legislation to increase accountability for ICE and CBP agents.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports abortion access as healthcare, has cosponsored legislation to codify Roe v. Wade protections, and opposes federal and state abortion bans. Advocates repealing the Hyde Amendment and expanding reproductive freedom and access to abortion services and contraception.
Climate & Energy
Supports aggressive climate action including the Green New Deal, rejoining the Paris Agreement, phasing away from fossil fuels, banning fracking and oil drilling, and large investments in clean energy and energy storage. Has voted for major federal climate legislation (Inflation Reduction Act) and introduced legislation to strengthen disaster preparedness and climate resilience. Emphasizes climate as a national security and public-health priority and promotes clean-energy innovation and critical material supply chains.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports banning and a federal buyback of semiautomatic assault weapons, universal/expanded background checks, removal of industry liability protections, mandatory licensing/limits on high-capacity magazines, and other regulatory steps to reduce gun violence. Advocates additional investments in community violence prevention, gun-violence research, and regulation of manufacturers.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedMar 14, 2026
Eric Swalwell is in the news as a leading contender in early polling for California’s gubernatorial primary, with several surveys placing him at or near the top of a tight field where many voters are still undecided. The race is competitive under a top-two primary system, with Steve Hilton and Tom Steyer also polling strongly. Swalwell is also facing a public challenge to his eligibility, after Steyer’s campaign questioned his residency and urged the California Secretary of State to enforce residency rules; Swalwell’s campaign disputes the claim as politically motivated.
swalwell.house.gov+39
Articles
CNCBS News3 months ago
Steve Hilton, Tom Steyer and Eric Swalwell leading California governor's race, new polls show
Positive
WWJLA3 months ago
Rep. Eric Swalwell takes lead in open primary for California governor: poll
Positive
NNewsmax3 months ago
Poll: Swalwell Tops Wide-Open Calif. Governor Race
Positive
SRSanta Rosa Press Democrat3 months ago
Governor’s race coming into ‘focus’ as Swalwell, Hilton lead new polls
Positive
Polls
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
California Governor primary: 1st place
Endorsers of Eric Swalwell for California Governor primary: 1st place
Grijalva
Elected official
Grijalva endorsed Eric Swalwell for California governor, later retracting the endorsement.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Total raisedCash on hand
$4.1M
$3.1M
$2.1M
$1.0M
$0
2022
2024
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2022
$3.9M
$628.6K
$3.8M
$159.1K
Cycle 2024
$4.1M
$300.0K
$4.5M
$186.3K
Cycle 2026
$1.7M
$288.6K
$1.7M
$114.9K
Source: FEC