Eric Swalwell Faces Multiple Criticisms in California Gubernatorial Race

By Barnini Chakraborty

*Published: 2026-04-11T12:46:16+00:00*

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) is polling near the top of the field in California's gubernatorial race but has faced increased criticism from opponents and others in recent weeks. The scrutiny has focused on his congressional attendance record, questions about his residency, positions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a past investigation involving a suspected Chinese operative, his private AI company, and allegations of sexual misconduct raised by a former staffer.

The sexual misconduct allegations, which Swalwell has denied, spread on social media before being reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. A former staffer who worked for Swalwell for nearly two years alleged that she had a sexual relationship with him while he was her supervisor and accused him of assaulting her twice when she was too intoxicated to consent, according to the Chronicle's Friday report.

Swalwell did not respond to multiple requests for comment from the Washington Examiner. In a statement to the Chronicle, he denied the allegations, describing them as politically motivated. He cited his nearly two decades in public service as a prosecutor and lawmaker, during which he said he has supported and protected women. Swalwell stated he would defend himself with evidence and pursue legal action if necessary, while prioritizing his family.

Following the Chronicle report, Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), a longtime friend of Swalwell who chaired his 2020 presidential campaign, withdrew his endorsement. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), who had previously endorsed Swalwell, publicly called for him to drop out of the race or reconsider his candidacy, according to statements reported by multiple outlets.

Analysts have described the combined challenges as a test of Swalwell's readiness for a statewide campaign.

Garry South, a veteran California-based Democratic political strategist, told the Washington Examiner that transitioning from a congressional district race to a statewide contest represents a significant step. "Swalwell has run a smart, effective campaign so far and has consolidated his position at the top of the Democratic field," South said. "But he is basically untested in a statewide race," noting California's 52 congressional districts compared to its more than 23 million registered voters.

Jeff Burton, co-founding partner at Maven Advocacy and a Republican strategist, said the recent criticisms reflect the dynamics of a competitive primary. "With less than two months until the primary, front-runner status comes with a target on your back," Burton told the Washington Examiner. He added that similar scrutiny is expected for other leading candidates, such as Republican Steve Hilton, and that resilience will determine who advances.

Swalwell has polled strongly among Democrats in the race, which features eight Democratic candidates and two Republicans seeking to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA). California's top-two jungle primary system advances the top two finishers from the June 2 primary to the November general election, regardless of party. Newsom is widely expected to run for president in 2028.

A Binder Research poll released before the Chronicle report showed Hilton at 22% and Swalwell at 18%, positioning them to potentially advance together. In such a scenario, the Democratic vote—currently split among multiple candidates—could consolidate in the general election. President Donald Trump endorsed Hilton on Sunday.

🚨NEW POLL ALERT: The momentum is real — and the establishment knows it. Republicans and independents are uniting behind our movement. Together, we have the chance to deliver the change Californians deserve. Let’s make California Golden Again! pic.twitter.com/4YD9Qu2S2L — Steve Hilton (@SteveHiltonx) April 8, 2026

Swalwell, 45, was born in Iowa and raised by Republican parents in California. He has emphasized his experience as a Trump critic, including his role as a House impeachment manager during Trump's second impeachment trial, which centered on the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

In Congress, Swalwell served eight years on the House Intelligence Committee, including on its CIA-focused subcommittee, where he addressed national security and election interference issues. Prior to Congress, he worked as a prosecutor.

He has received endorsements from major labor groups and, prior to recent developments, Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA). His main Democratic competitors include billionaire Tom Steyer and former Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA).

Jeff Le, managing principal at 100 Mile Strategies, told the Washington Examiner that candidates in leading positions face heightened examination. "Addressing concerns about his residency, his finances, and sexual harassment accusations directly is important to stem negative perceptions among primary voters with less than two months before the primary," Le said.

Political commentator Jamie E. Wright told the Washington Examiner that Swalwell's response strategy will be key. "If he can successfully argue that this scrutiny stems from his prominence and experience, it could reinforce his standing," she said. "If the scrutiny defines him, it could become a liability."

San Francisco-based political analyst Rich Edwards said the timeframe for addressing issues is limited. "He’s on the clock and has a lot to answer for," Edwards told the Washington Examiner.

*Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), a California gubernatorial candidate, appears at a town hall meeting in Sacramento, California, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)*

Key Issues Raised

Interactions with Suspected Chinese Operative

FBI Director Kash Patel has called for revisiting records from a 2010s investigation into Christine Fang, a suspected Chinese intelligence operative who developed relationships with local politicians, including Swalwell, and assisted with his fundraising. Reports at the time included unsubstantiated claims of a romantic involvement.

The U.S. Justice Department closed the case without charges. In 2023, the bipartisan House Ethics Committee completed its investigation into Swalwell's interactions with Fang. On May 22, 2023, Chairman Michael Guest (R-MS) and Ranking Member Susan Wild (D-PA) announced no findings of violations and no further action would be taken.

Republican strategist Mike Hahn told the Washington Examiner the matter raises questions about Swalwell's judgment. "If it’s true that a sitting member of Congress was sleeping with a Chinese spy, then Fang isn’t the only person who is getting screwed," Hahn said. "It raises serious questions about Swalwell’s vulnerability to blackmail by the CCP and calls into question his intellect."

Swalwell has accused Trump and Patel of trying to influence the California election.

Residency Requirements

Rivals including Tom Steyer and Steve Hilton have questioned whether Swalwell meets California's constitutional requirement of five years of residency prior to the election. They point to his ownership of a $1.2 million home in Washington, D.C., where his family lives.

Swalwell maintains he has been a California resident since 2006 and has rented a room in a Livermore home since 2017. His landlord has provided documentation supporting this claim.

Immigration Positions

Swalwell has faced criticism from some Democrats for past support of ICE. Rival Katie Porter highlighted a 2025 vote in which Swalwell was one of 75 Democrats joining Republicans to pass a resolution denouncing a deadly attack at a Colorado rally for Israeli hostages. The resolution included language thanking law enforcement, including ICE.

Porter told supporters, “Eric Swalwell cast a vote thanking ICE. That agency should be dismantled—not commended.”

Swalwell has since adopted a more critical stance toward ICE, calling for its dismantling and defunding. He has cited federal enforcement actions in Los Angeles, which prompted protests and National Guard deployment, as examples of policies he opposes.

Swalwell's campaign did not dispute his vote on the resolution.

Porter has also denied any ties to an influencer linked to the sexual misconduct allegations against Swalwell.

The primary race remains fluid, with Swalwell holding strong pre-report polling among Democrats, bolstered by labor support, though recent developments have prompted reactions from party leaders.

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