Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) is joining the 2026 California governor's race, he announced on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" Thursday night.
The big picture: Swalwell joins a crowded field of more than 20 candidates, including Democratic megadonor Tom Steyer, who are seeking to replace California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), who is term-limited.
- Swalwell described himself as "the most vocal" Trump over the past decade after the administration referred him to the Justice Department for a potential criminal investigation into alleged mortgage and tax fraud, which he denies.
- He took aim at Trump on his newly launched campaign site, saying he's the only gubernatorial candidate "taking him on in real time."
What he's saying: "I'm running for Governor because prices are too high and people are scared," Swalwell said in a statement posted to the site.
- "California's next governor has two jobs. One, keep the worst president in history out of our homes, out of our streets, and out of our lives," Swalwell said.
- The second "is to bring a new California," with his priorities being affordable homes and jobs, per the statement.
- Swalwell told "Jimmy Kimmel Live" host Jimmy Kimmel that he loves California and it makes him angry "to see Californians running through the fields where they work from ICE agents or troops in our streets."
- Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment early Friday.
Go deeper: Tom Steyer, Democratic megadonor, joins crowded California governor's race
Editor's note: This article has been updated with additional details throughout.
