Trump Critic Throws His Hat in the Ring
In a move that sets the stage for a fiercely contested political battle, US Representative Eric Swalwell officially declared his candidacy for Governor of California on Thursday night. The seven-term Democrat, renowned for his pugnacious and persistent opposition to former President Donald Trump, enters an already crowded field hoping to succeed Gavin Newsom, who is approaching his term limit.
Swalwell's announcement comes hot on the heels of billionaire environmental activist Tom Steyer's own entry into the race. At 45 years old, the former Alameda county prosecutor first rose to national prominence through his sharp clashes with Trump. This established profile is expected to bolster his appeal amongst the state's Democratic base, which has consistently shown support for leaders willing to check the power of the former president.
A Political Profile Forged in Washington
Swalwell is no stranger to national political campaigns, having briefly sought the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. His role in holding the Trump administration accountable was further cemented when he served as a House impeachment manager during Trump's second impeachment trial. This historic proceeding centred on the former president's role in the 6 January 2021 attack on the US Capitol.
His experience in Washington extends beyond these high-profile moments. Swalwell served for eight years on the powerful House intelligence committee, including a posting on the CIA subcommittee. This tenure positioned him as a key Democratic voice on critical issues of national security and election interference. Furthermore, he is a founding member of the Future Forum caucus, a group dedicated to representing the interests of younger voters in Congress.
A Wide-Open Contest and Formidable Challenges
Current polling indicates the race lacks a clear frontrunner, especially after high-profile figures like former Vice-President Kamala Harris and California Senator Alex Padilla declined to run. Early surveys showed former representative Katie Porter leading the pack, but her campaign has been hampered by concerns over her temperament following a threatened walk-out from a television interview and footage of her berating a staff member.
The Democratic field is substantial, featuring figures such as former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former state attorney general Xavier Becerra, and former state controller Betty Yee. On the Republican side, the two most prominent candidates are Riverside county sheriff Chad Bianco and former David Cameron adviser, Steve Hilton. The field may yet expand, with developer Rick Caruso reportedly considering a bid.
Whoever emerges victorious will inherit a state facing a daunting list of structural problems. The next governor must immediately confront an uncertain water supply, severe housing shortages, and widespread homelessness. Compounding these issues are persistent struggles with unemployment, poverty rates, rising living costs, and recurring budget deficits, leaving little time for a settling-in period.
Swalwell's campaign will undoubtedly leverage his anti-Trump reputation, a credential he will hope resonates in the nation's largest blue state. However, his path is not without obstacles. He has faced a referral to the justice department from a Trump-era housing official over denied allegations of mortgage and tax fraud. Additionally, Republicans continue to attack him over a past, alleged relationship with a suspected Chinese intelligence operative, even though a House ethics committee inquiry was closed without any findings of wrongdoing.
