Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) announced his endorsement of Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) for California governor on Sunday, providing a boost to Swalwell's campaign in a crowded Democratic primary field. The endorsement was shared first with Politico's California Playbook.
"I'm endorsing my friend Eric Swalwell to be the next governor of the great state of California," Schiff said in a video statement. "I know the Golden State will be in good hands with Eric Swalwell." Schiff cited Swalwell's role as an impeachment manager during President Trump's first impeachment, stating that "Eric is fully prepared to get things done and deliver for the Golden State, even as he will fight to protect our values, rights and freedoms."
What the Left Is Saying
Democrats view Schiff's endorsement as significant given his statewide profile and recent Senate election victory. Swalwell responded that he was "honored to have the support of Senator @AdamSchiff as we work together to tackle our state's biggest challenges — from lowering costs for families to protecting our democracy from Donald Trump."
The endorsement comes as labor groups and Democratic leaders attempt to consolidate support behind fewer candidates in what has become a sprawling primary field. Swalwell has positioned himself as a progressive who can deliver results while standing up to Trump administration policies, particularly on immigration enforcement. He has pledged that if elected governor, former ICE agents would be "unhirable" in California state positions.
Swalwell's campaign has gained momentum in recent fundraising, bringing in approximately $3.1 million since entering the race in November, boosted by donations from Hollywood figures including Jon Hamm, Robert De Niro, and Sean Penn.
What the Right Is Saying
Republicans view the Democratic primary as an opportunity to advance their own candidates in California's top-two primary system, where the two highest vote-getters regardless of party advance to the general election. The Republican field includes Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who has led in some recent polls, and former Fox News host Steve Hilton, who has raised more money than any other candidate in the race.
Conservative critics have focused on Swalwell's past controversies, including questions about his relationship with a suspected Chinese intelligence operative and his spending of over $200,000 in campaign funds on childcare expenses. Republicans argue the Democratic field represents a continuation of policies they blame for California's high cost of living, homelessness, and crime rates.
The GOP sees the crowded Democratic field as potentially splitting the progressive vote and creating an opening for Republican candidates to finish in the top two and advance to the general election.
What the Numbers Show
Recent polling shows a fluid race with no clear frontrunner. An Emerson College poll from December found Swalwell with 20% support and Porter with 17% among Democratic voters. A separate poll showed Swalwell at 12% and Porter at 11% overall, with Republican candidates Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton leading in some surveys.
In one November poll, 44% of surveyed voters did not have a preference for governor and no candidate polled above 15%. Among No Party Preference voters, one poll showed "none of the above" leading at 22.3%, with Swalwell at 21%, Porter at 20.3%, and Xavier Becerra at 12.5%.
The Democratic field also includes former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra (who raised $2.6 million), former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and billionaire activist Tom Steyer. The primary election is scheduled for June 2026, with the general election in November.
The Bottom Line
Schiff's endorsement represents the first major statewide Democratic endorsement in the governor's race and could help Swalwell consolidate support among progressives who know Schiff from his impeachment work and recent Senate campaign. However, with multiple well-funded Democrats competing and Republicans showing strength in early polls, the race remains wide open. The June primary will determine whether two Democrats advance to the general election or if a Republican candidate can finish in the top two, setting up a competitive November race to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.