Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff endorsed Rep. Eric Swalwell’s bid to become the next governor of California, one day after a poll showed the House Democrat surging into second place.
Schiff said that Swalwell had the “vision and strength to take on” California’s biggest challenge, including “protecting our democracy from Donald Trump.”
“Congressman Swalwell and I worked together to investigate Trump during his first presidency, and Eric played a leadership role in the impeachment trial after the president incited a violent mob to attack the Capitol on January 6th,” said Schiff. “What I saw then, and what I know now, is that Eric is fully prepared to get things done for the Golden State, even as he will fight to protect our values, rights, and freedoms.”
Schiff is the most prominent congressional Democrat to wade into the California race. Swalwell endorsed Schiff over former Democratic Rep. Katie Porter in his 2024 bid for Senate. Schiff is the first of California’s senators to weigh in on the race, with Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) ruling out a gubernatorial bid. Porter is also running for governor in 2026.
There is a crowded field to replace California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited and considered a 2028 presidential candidate. Swalwell is facing Porter and 10 other candidates in the contest. Per California law, the top two vote-getters advance to the general election, regardless of party.
Additional Democratic candidates include: Xavier Becerra, former California Attorney General and former United States Secretary of Health and Human Services; Ian Calderon, former California Assembly Majority Leader; Matt Mahan, San Jose Mayor; venture capitalist Tom Steyer; Tony Thurmond, California’s superintendent of public instruction; former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; and former state controller Betty Yee.
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Republicans include Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, businessman Steve Hilton, and longtime CEO and entrepreneur Jon Slavet.
The primary is set for June 2. Delegates to the California Democratic Party will vote later this month on whether to endorse in the race, but no candidate is expected to receive the state party’s support before the primary.
