Swalwell embraces function as Trump’s ‘most vocal critic’ as he launches bid to succeed Newsom as governor

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As he launches a bid to change into the subsequent governor of California, Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., has embraced his most up-to-date battle with the Trump administration, touting himself because the president's "most vocal critic."

All through his congressional profession, extremely seen clashes with President Donald Trump have given Swalwell a nationwide profile. He appears to be like poised to proceed that streak, repeatedly highlighting his tensions with the president because the Department of Justice (DOJ) introduced a brand new investigation towards him this month.

"Nancy Pelosi chosen me to steer the impeachment of a corrupt president. Californians won't ever bow the knee," Swalwell stated in a video posted on his web site.

California's present governor, Gavin Newsom, is term-limited in 2026.

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Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., launched a bid to change into the subsequent governor of California. (John Lamparski/Getty Photographs)

The DOJ opened a probe into Swalwell over alleged mortgage fraud and, based on reporting by NBC, may additionally be below investigation for tax fraud and insurance coverage fraud. Swalwell denies any wrongdoing.

"The one factor I'm stunned about is that it took him this lengthy to return after me," Swalwell stated in a press release following the information of the investigation.

Swalwell first got here to Congress in 2013 after serving as a county deputy district lawyer in California from 2006 to 2012. He briefly ran for president in 2020 however dropped out simply three months after launching his bid.

In media interviews for the reason that DOJ introduced its probe, Swalwell has embraced his function as a goal of the administration.

"That is actually about Donald Trump going after his political enemies. Nobody has been a extra vocal critic than me. I've one of many solely remaining lawsuits towards Donald Trump for his function in Jan. 6," Swalwell stated in an interview with MSNBC, referring to pending litigation over whether or not Trump inspired protesters to storm the U.S. Capitol constructing in 2021.

"I’m not going to alter a single factor about what I do to face up towards Donald Trump when he will get in the way in which of me preventing for Californians," Swalwell stated. "I'm not going to shrink one bit due to Donald Trump attempting to intimidate me, and it’s not working with the opposite colleagues he’s gone after."

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Extremely seen clashes with President Donald Trump have given Swalwell a nationwide profile. (Alex Brandon/AP Photograph)

In a post to X, Swalwell listed himself alongside different Democrats going through comparable prices from the DOJ.

"Like James Comey and John Bolton, Adam Schiff and Lisa Cook dinner, Letitia James and the handfuls extra to return — I refuse to dwell in worry in what was as soon as the freest nation on this planet," Swalwell stated.

His opposition to Trump stands out at the same time as his file within the 119th Congress doesn’t bounce off the web page.

Notably, Swalwell has missed 16% of his votes for the reason that starting of the 12 months, making him the Tenth-most-absent member of the Home of Representatives. He not often breaks with the get together, having voted towards a majority of Democrats on simply eight events for the reason that outset of the session. He additionally hasn’t made a lot noise in fundraising this 12 months, reporting a good but unexceptional $1.4 million within the first three quarters of 2025.

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Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., is pictured as a listening to. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Name, Inc by way of Getty Photographs)

However Swalwell’s yearslong file towards Trump stands out.

As referenced in his video, Swalwell was a Home impeachment supervisor towards Trump in 2021 and, along with his lawsuit, has used his place on the Home Oversight Committee to criticize the president’s insurance policies and conduct.

"Subsequent week, once we hear about another person who's an opponent of Donald Trump being investigated, it'll even be nonsense," Swalwell stated in an interview with CNN. "In fact, I'm one of the crucial vocal critics towards Donald Trump. I've the one lawsuit that survived him turning into president — me and the opposite Jan. 6 officers."

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The investigation into Swalwell is in its early levels. The DOJ has not introduced if or when it might pursue a grand jury trial. Swalwell's workplace didn't reply to a request for remark.