Who Is California Rep. Eric Swalwell? Bio, Career, Family & Why a Court Says He Can’t Run for Governor

Lefty California Rep. Eric Swalwell is running for governor of the Golden State, but one conservative activist claims he doesn’t qualify

Early Life and Education

Eric Michael Swalwell Jr. was born on November 16, 1980, in Sac City, Iowa, before his family moved to Dublin, California where he grew up as the oldest of four sons. His father was a police chief and his mother ran a small business — a background that shaped his early sense of public service and work ethic.

After graduating from Dublin High School in 1999, Swalwell earned a soccer scholarship to Campbell University in North Carolina. An injury ended his athletic career, prompting him to transfer to the University of Maryland, College Park, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Government and Politics in 2003. He then continued his studies at the University of Maryland School of Law, earning a Juris Doctor (JD) in 2006.

During his college years, he held leadership positions in student government and served as a student liaison to the College Park City Council. He also interned for U.S. Representative Ellen Tauscher, gaining early exposure to Capitol Hill.

Legal Career and Entry into Politics

After law school, Swalwell returned to California to work as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, prosecuting criminal cases and building real-world legal experience.

His first foray into electoral politics came in 2010 when he was elected to the Dublin City Council, where he served until 2013.

U.S. House of Representatives — A National Political Figure

In 2012, Swalwell won a major upset by defeating longtime incumbent Rep. Pete Stark to represent California’s then-15th Congressional District. He has served continuously in the U.S. House since January 3, 2013, and today represents the 14th District covering most of eastern Alameda County.

Known for his energetic engagement with constituents and savvy social media use, Swalwell gained early attention for livestreaming House proceedings and effectively using platforms like Snapchat and Facebook to broaden political outreach.

Over his terms in Congress, his committee assignments have included Homeland Security and Science, Space and Technology, and he has been a consistent critic of Republican policies while advocating for issues such as gun safety and health care reform.

Swalwell also served as one of the impeachment managers during the second impeachment of President Donald Trump, further elevating his national profile.

Family and Personal Life

Eric Swalwell and His Family

Swalwell is married to Brittany Ann Watts, and the couple has three children. The family’s life reflects a balance between national political responsibilities and roots in California.

Because members of Congress typically divide time between Washington, D.C. and their home states, Swalwell maintains residences in both locations — a point that becomes important later in the governor eligibility dispute.

Estimated Net Worth and Financial Disclosure

As a member of Congress, Swalwell is required to disclose his finances annually. According to available estimates, Swalwell’s net worth is relatively modest compared with many of his congressional peers, in part due to student loan debt and limited high-value investment holdings. Some financial trackers estimated his net worth at roughly $40,000-$50,000 as of mid-2025 — one of the lower figures among House members.

His wealth figures do not include the value of primary residences or any complex investment portfolios, and disclosures can vary year to year.

2026 California Governor Race Entry

In November 2025, Swalwell officially announced his candidacy for California governor, aiming to succeed Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited. His campaign has focused on affordability, public safety, and resisting federal policies that he says hurt Californians.

He entered a crowded gubernatorial field that includes several other high-profile Democrats and Republicans, with polls showing a wide spread of voter preferences and many undecided voters.

Read more: Who is Gavin Newsom, California's Governor: Biography, Family, Net Worth

Residency Court Challenge - Why Some Say He Can’t Run

A recent court filing in Sacramento alleges that Swalwell does not meet California’s constitutional residency requirement for governor. Under Article V of the California Constitution, a candidate must have been a resident of the state for at least five years immediately preceding the election.

The plaintiff, filmmaker and public figure Joel Gilbert, claims that Swalwell’s primary home is in Washington, D.C., and that he has no active California lease or property ownership — arguing that his listed California address is actually the office of his lawyer.

Critics argue this could render him ineligible to appear on the ballot. They point to his financial disclosures and public records that don’t list California real estate to support this claim.

Supporters of Swalwell counter that many federal lawmakers maintain dual residences out of necessity and that he has longstanding personal and professional ties to California. As of now, Swalwell has not publicly resolved the eligibility question, and the legal challenge could ultimately be decided by the courts.

Public Image and Controversies

Swalwell’s career hasn’t been without controversy. He was previously contacted by intelligence officials over links to an alleged Chinese agent in the early part of his career, though he was not accused of wrongdoing.

In late 2025, he also faced a criminal referral related to mortgage practices tied to his $1.2 million D.C. home, which thrust additional scrutiny on where he claims his primary residence is located — a politically charged issue that intersects with debates about his eligibility for governor.

Whether these issues will affect his campaign or legal standing remains a subject of intense political debate and judicial review.

Conclusion

Eric Swalwell’s trajectory — from a middle-class upbringing in California to the U.S. House of Representatives and now a bid for governor — shows both political ambition and public controversy. His experience combines local governance, federal legislative work, and national spotlight roles, including impeachment proceedings. The ongoing residency eligibility challenge adds an unusual twist to his 2026 campaign, raising complex legal and constitutional questions that may shape the outcome of California’s next gubernatorial election.