Eric Swalwell Drops a BOMBSHELL on Jimmy Kimmel: Is California's Future at Stake?

In a bold move, Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA) announced his candidacy for governor of California during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Swalwell, who has gained significant notoriety as a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, made his intentions clear, hoping to fill the shoes of current Governor Gavin Newsom, who is not seeking re-election.

As he sat down with Kimmel, Swalwell joked, “The president is not going to like this show,” to which Kimmel quipped, “He is especially not going to like it tonight.” Their light-hearted banter took a serious turn as Swalwell revealed, "I came here tonight, Jimmy, to tell you and your audience that I am running to be the next governor of California," prompting cheers from the audience.

Swalwell has a history of political ambitions; he was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 and made headlines during Trump's presidency as one of his most high-profile adversaries. He briefly ran for president in 2020 but dropped out before the primaries. His latest campaign video opens with a potent declaration: “The next governor of California has two jobs: One, keep the worst president in our history out of our homes, out of our streets and out of our lives. … And two, bring us a new California.” This framing seeks to mobilize voters who share his disdain for Trump while presenting a vision for the state’s future.

During the interview, Kimmel pressed Swalwell on ongoing investigations into mortgage fraud involving Trump. “Nonsense,” Swalwell retorted, suggesting that these inquiries are politically motivated, similar to those faced by other prominent Democrats, such as Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Swalwell's entry into the race adds to an already crowded field of Democratic candidates, which includes former Representative Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, and climate activist Tom Steyer, who joined the race this week. The competition will also feature Republican candidates like Chad Bianco, Riverside County's sheriff, and former Fox News commentator Steve Hilton. The primary election is set for next year, and the race could see even more candidates enter, particularly as figures like developer Rick Caruso have hinted at their interest.

Swalwell’s choice of platform for announcing his campaign echoes strategies used by other political figures in the past. Notably, former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger famously declared his candidacy for the gubernatorial recall election on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Similarly, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced her presidential run on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2020. While late-night shows have historically been seen as exempt from equal time rules by the FCC, the current political landscape raises questions about the implications of such announcements in unconventional settings.

As Swalwell gears up for a rigorous campaign, his ability to navigate the complex dynamics of California politics, particularly against the backdrop of his outspoken criticisms of Trump, will be crucial. His commitment to "bring us a new California" resonates with many voters who are eager for change after a tumultuous political era. As the primary approaches, Swalwell’s strategy, messaging, and ability to connect with the electorate will be pivotal in distinguishing himself in a competitive field.