In a significant political announcement, Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell has declared his intention to run for governor of California during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday 20 November 2025.
The frequent critic of former President Donald Trump revealed his ambition to succeed the term-limited Gavin Newsom, who is widely expected to make a White House bid in 2028. Swalwell enters a crowded Democratic field that includes former state attorney general Xavier Becerra, ex-Congresswoman Katie Porter, and one-time presidential candidate Tom Steyer.
A 'Fighter and Protector' for California
Swalwell passionately outlined his vision for the state, describing California as 'the greatest country in the world' while expressing frustration at current challenges facing residents.
'It p***es me off to see Californians running through the fields where they work from ICE agents or troops in our streets – it's horrifying – or cancer research being cancelled,' he told Kimmel.
Positioning himself as 'a fighter and a protector', Swalwell emphasised his commitment to tackling economic pressures. '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?'
The congressman highlighted his political experience as a city council member in Dublin, a prosecutor in Oakland, and his work in Congress 'taking on the most corrupt president ever.'
Doubts Over Epstein Files and Response to Investigations
The conversation turned to national politics when Kimmel asked about congressional efforts to secure the release of Jeffrey Epstein files from the Department of Justice.
Swalwell expressed significant doubt that Donald Trump's administration would release the documents in full. 'I don't trust this guy for one moment,' he stated. 'In fact, he has acted this entire time like somebody who really has something to hide.'
He vowed that elected representatives would continue fighting for transparency, noting Republican Rep. Thomas Massie's promise to read the names of Epstein's accomplices on the House floor if necessary.
Swalwell also dismissed a Department of Justice investigation into his mortgage records as 'nonsense,' suggesting it was part of a pattern of probes targeting Democrats the president dislikes, including California Senator Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Trump-Kimmel Feud Continues
The interview occurred against the backdrop of renewed tensions between Kimmel and former President Trump, who had called for the comedian's removal from air just the day before.
'Why does ABC Fake News keep Jimmy Kimmel, a man with NO TALENT and VERY POOR TELEVISION RATINGS, on the air?' Trump seethed on Truth Social, apparently angered by Kimmel's jokes about 'Hurricane Epstein' and criticism of Trump calling a female reporter 'Piggy.'
Kimmel responded during his opening monologue, describing Trump as a 'snowflake' and suggesting they should 'ride off into the sunset together.' The late-night host ended with a pointed retort: 'Quiet, piggy.'
Swalwell's announcement was met with a standing ovation from the studio audience, though Kimmel humorously advised the candidate to make a definite decision about his beard, which he described as being in a 'beard nether-region.'
In his official campaign statement, Swalwell emphasised that 'prices are too high and people are scared,' positioning his bid as a response to economic anxiety and what he characterised as threats from the Trump administration.
