California's next governor is likely to be someone who isn't afraid to throw punches, as Bay Area Congressman Eric Swalwell announced his candidacy for the top spot in the state Thursday night.
Swalwell, a familiar face on late-night TV after appearing on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" earlier this week, released a minute-long campaign video on his website detailing his vision for California. The 2020 presidential hopeful touted his experience as a city councilmember and prosecutor, before taking aim at his next target: the state's high cost of living.
"We need a fighter and protector in Sacramento," Swalwell declared. "Someone who will bring prices down and lift wages up. And let's be honest, it's hard to brag about being the fourth-largest economy in the world if you can't afford to live here."
Swalwell's credentials as a leading voice in impeachment proceedings against President Trump may have helped him build momentum in his campaign. "So I've been in these fights," he said wryly. "As a city councilmember up in Dublin, my hometown. As a prosecutor in Oakland and taking on the most corrupt President ever in the U.S. Congress."
Swalwell's entry into the crowded field of Democratic candidates includes Congresswoman Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, and former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
The 2020 presidential hopeful has run before – dropping out of the race early that year – but it's unclear how his past experience will translate to a successful bid for governor. One thing is certain: Swalwell is ready to bring his brand of straight-shooting politics back home.
Swalwell, a familiar face on late-night TV after appearing on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" earlier this week, released a minute-long campaign video on his website detailing his vision for California. The 2020 presidential hopeful touted his experience as a city councilmember and prosecutor, before taking aim at his next target: the state's high cost of living.
"We need a fighter and protector in Sacramento," Swalwell declared. "Someone who will bring prices down and lift wages up. And let's be honest, it's hard to brag about being the fourth-largest economy in the world if you can't afford to live here."
Swalwell's credentials as a leading voice in impeachment proceedings against President Trump may have helped him build momentum in his campaign. "So I've been in these fights," he said wryly. "As a city councilmember up in Dublin, my hometown. As a prosecutor in Oakland and taking on the most corrupt President ever in the U.S. Congress."
Swalwell's entry into the crowded field of Democratic candidates includes Congresswoman Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, and former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
The 2020 presidential hopeful has run before – dropping out of the race early that year – but it's unclear how his past experience will translate to a successful bid for governor. One thing is certain: Swalwell is ready to bring his brand of straight-shooting politics back home.
this is gonna be interesting... i mean, eric swalwell is definitely not afraid to speak his mind 
but can he really lead california? his experience in impeachment and as a prosecutor might count for something, but can he navigate the complexities of state politics without burning bridges 
? on one hand, it's great that someone from congress is throwing their hat into the ring, but on the other hand, it's like they're trying out for the role instead of really thinking about what california needs 
.
. He's been in politics for ages now, and while it's good to have experience, you've gotta be able to work with people too, not just throw punches 
. Plus, he seems kinda divisive - I mean, calling Trump the "most corrupt President ever"... that kind of language can tear people apart 
. Still, I guess only time will tell if he's got what it takes 
...
Still, I guess having someone with his experience might be a good thing... as long as they can balance being bold with actually getting things done 
.
he's literally the only one who can handle those crazy California costs 
like, seriously how hard is it to afford avocado toast in SF? 
anyway I've been watching his vids and he comes across so authentic & down-to-earth imo he's got a ton of experience in law & politics which will definitely help him navigate Sacramento 
can't wait to see what he does next! 
... just think about it, another politician who's all about throwing punches and blaming the system 
. And what's with his "I'm a fighter" shtick? Sounds like a bunch of posturing to me 
... and don't even get me started on how this is gonna affect the state's economy 
. Just another politician who's only looking out for themselves 
...
. dont get me wrong, Eric Swalwell seems like a nice guy and all but i'm not sure if he's the right fit for governor. he talks a lot about bringing prices down and lifting wages up, which sounds good on paper 
, but how will he actually do it? has he ever run a state budget or dealt with complex policy issues? i feel like he's just trying to appeal to people who are tired of the high cost of living in cali 
. As someone who's lived in the Bay Area for years, I can attest that the cost of living is absolutely insane 
I'm curious to see how he'll handle the nuts-and-bolts of governing the state vs. being a high-profile politician 
. but Eric Swalwell is definitely giving me some serious #GovernorVibes 
. The question is, can he translate that passion into actual policy wins? 
!
. It'll be interesting to see if his experience as a city councilmember and prosecutor will serve him well in Sacramento 
. I'm curious to see how his 2020 presidential experience will translate to governorship, though 
!
he has such a strong background in politics and public service - it'll be interesting to see how his experience as a congressman and prosecutor translates to governorship 
. That being said, we've seen a lot of candidates come & go in California... will he be able to build momentum & connect with voters on a personal level? 