“I Want to Write a New California Story”: Eric Swalwell Makes His Case for California Governor

April 7, 2026

Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell, who represents the East Bay, is running for California governor as a candidate who emphasizes both fighting against Trump administration policies and addressing the state's affordability crisis. Drawing on his experience as a former prosecutor, city councilman, and prominent figure in congressional oversight during the Trump era, he positions himself as both a fighter and protector for vulnerable populations. His policy platform centers on aggressive housing development with streamlined approval processes, supporting small businesses through tax holidays and simplified licensing, and establishing a goal where Californians can secure their first job, have children, and purchase a home within the same decade.

Who is affected

Californians struggling with high costs and affordability issues
First-time homebuyers (currently averaging over 40 years old)
Small business owners seeking to start and grow businesses
Students and families with school-age children (particularly regarding classroom cell phone use and social media protection)
African American communities experiencing disparities in healthcare and economic opportunity
Immigrant workers facing ICE enforcement
January 6th officers (involved in Swalwell's ongoing lawsuit)
State employees (proposed to receive finder's fees for identifying government waste)

What action is being taken

Swalwell is currently running for California governor
He maintains an active lawsuit against the current presidency (described as the only one that has survived from the new presidency)
He is working with coalition partners including Corey Jackson, Mike Gibson, Tina McKinnor, and Sydney Kamlager-Dove

Why it matters

This gubernatorial race matters because California faces significant affordability challenges, particularly in housing where first-time buyers now average over 40 years old—a metric Swalwell uses to illustrate the state's cost-of-living crisis. The election is significant for determining how California will respond to federal Trump administration policies, particularly regarding immigration enforcement and federal funding cuts. The outcome will shape policies affecting children's exposure to technology and social media, government transparency and accountability, and whether the state pursues aggressive housing development to address the supply shortage. For African American communities specifically, the race matters because it will determine leadership commitment to addressing persistent disparities in healthcare access and economic opportunity.

What's next

Proposed implementation of "shot clocks" on agencies that delay housing approvals to increase housing supply
Proposed tax holiday for small businesses in their first years of operation
Proposed creation of "CalApp," a one-stop shop for business licensing, compliance, permitting, and taxes
Proposed prohibition of cell phones in classrooms
Proposed safeguards against AI being used for cyberbullying or exploitation
Proposed "finder's fee" program for state employees who identify waste, fraud, or abuse

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint