January 1, Swalwell Jumps Into California Governor Race

Wyatt’s Take

• Another Democrat with controversy is running for governor.
• Immigration, taxes, and trust are big issues in this race.
• Californians want real change, not more empty promises.

Eric Swalwell, a Democrat from California, announced his run for governor during “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” He pitched himself as a defender of California against Donald Trump and talked about his experience as a prosecutor and congressman.

Just days before this announcement, federal officials reportedly referred Swalwell to the Justice Department, accusing him of mortgage and tax fraud. Swalwell still claims he wants to fight for lower prices and higher wages.

“Our state, this great state, needs a fighter and a protector. Someone who will bring prices down, lift wages up.”

Swalwell said on air.

The Democrat has already faced national attention, including a failed presidential campaign in 2020, and was caught up in controversy over ties to a suspected Chinese spy, Fang Fang. While a House Ethics Committee cleared him of wrongdoing, the cloud of suspicion remains for many voters.

Other Democrats in the race include Katie Porter, Xavier Becerra, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Tom Steyer, among others. Republicans Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton are also running, hoping to make the race more competitive.

Katie Porter’s numbers have dropped after awkward interviews and past allegations of abusive behavior toward her staff and ex-husband. This has shaken voter confidence among Democrats.

Swalwell has built a following as an impeachment manager targeting Trump, but not everyone is convinced his focus on national drama will help fix California’s everyday problems.

Californians head into 2026 with more questions than answers about who is willing and able to take on the state’s serious challenges.

Wyatt Matters

Folks in the heartland know leaders should fight for working families instead of chasing headlines. California’s next governor should remember who they work for: everyday people, not political insiders.

Read the full story here.