1. Why is Eric Swalwell running for governor? 

Swalwell argues that California needs a "fighter and protector" because "prices are too high and people are scared." He frames his candidacy around his experience as a prosecutor and his congressional battles against Donald Trump. He aims to "bring this fight home," positioning himself as a defender of California values against a hostile federal administration. 

2. Who is he running against?

 He joins a "jam-packed" Democratic field seeking to succeed Gavin Newsom. Competitors include Rep. Katie Porter, former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, and former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Despite the crowd, the race remains unsettled; Porter has been damaged by viral controversies, and other candidates have struggled to gain significant traction in the polls.

3. Why has Swalwell become a target of the Trump administration?

Swalwell's relentless criticism of Trump throughout his congressional career has made him a repeated target of the administration. Last week, a Trump official alleged Swalwell committed mortgage fraud and referred the case to the Department of Justice for investigation. This follows a pattern of similar accusations against Trump critics like New York Attorney General Letitia James, who was indicted last month, and California Senator Adam Schiff. Conservatives also frequently reference Swalwell's previous ties to a Chinese spy who sought to influence American politicians, though Swalwell says he cooperated with the FBI and immediately cut contact when alerted.

4. What are Swalwell's chances in this unsettled race?

The lack of a clear frontrunner creates an opening for Swalwell despite his late entry and limited resources. His national profile from cable news appearances and Trump confrontations has made him popular with grassroots Democrats who could fuel his campaign. However, he faces significant hurdles including fundraising gaps, limited statewide organization, and the need to quickly build credibility with key endorsers. The unsettled nature of the Democratic field suggests voters are still searching for the right candidate, which could work in his favor if he can capitalize quickly.