Hold onto your hats, folks -- Rep. Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat with a knack for poking the bear, has thrown his name into the ring for governor in 2026, as Fox News reports.

In a move straight out of Hollywood, Swalwell unveiled his bid on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday, positioning himself as a fierce opponent of former President Donald Trump while outlining a vision for the Golden State.

Before stepping onto Kimmel’s stage, Swalwell took a jab at Trump on X, formerly Twitter, with a cheeky post: "He’s going to hate tonight’s episode." Well, isn’t that a way to stir the pot before even officially launching a campaign? It’s classic Swalwell -- never one to shy away from a public showdown with the former commander-in-chief.

Swalwell’s Campaign Launch Sparks Attention

Swalwell, long known for his sharp criticism of Trump, didn’t just stop at social media barbs; he’s framing his entire run as a bulwark against what he sees as Trump’s lingering influence.

He’s aiming to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, another Democrat, who is term-limited and unable to run again in 2026, setting the stage for a crowded field of contenders.

Among the Democrats vying for the seat are heavyweights like former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, former Rep. Katie Porter, and billionaire activist Tom Steyer, while Republicans like former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco are also in the mix.

A Vision of Protection, Progress

Swalwell isn’t just running on anti-Trump rhetoric; he’s pitching himself as a "protector and fighter" for California’s future, a tagline that sounds noble but raises eyebrows about what exactly he’s fighting against.

In a sit-down with the San Francisco Chronicle, he laid out a dual mission: "One, keep Trump out of our homes, streets and lives," and the second is to "write the story of a new California on lower prices, on business growth and modernizing the state." It’s a lofty goal, but obsessing over one man while promising economic reform feels like a tightrope walk—can he balance both without tripping over progressive policies that often inflate costs?

His emphasis on modernization and business growth might appeal to some, but conservatives may wonder if this is just another Democrat promising big while sidestepping the state’s persistent issues like high taxes and regulatory overreach.

Swalwell’s Appeal to Californians

Swalwell is also trying to broaden his tent, claiming he wants to represent everyone in the state, not just his party’s base.

He told MediasTouch, "I’m running to be a governor for all Californians," highlighting his roots in a Republican family and his background in law enforcement as a prosecutor. It’s a smart play -- public safety resonates across the aisle—but will his track record of hyper-partisan rhetoric convince skeptics he’s truly bipartisan at heart?

California’s crime rates and homelessness crisis aren’t exactly screaming for more of the same Democratic Party playbook, so his law-and-order credentials will need to be more than just talking points to win over the right-leaning crowd.

Challenges in a Crowded Field

The road to the governor’s mansion won’t be a cakewalk for Swalwell, not with a field this packed and diverse in both ideology and experience.

While Newsom’s potential presidential ambitions in 2028 keep his name in the headlines, Swalwell will need to carve out his own spotlight without getting lost in the shadow of bigger Democratic names or the appeal of Republican outsiders promising a shake-up.

Ultimately, Swalwell’s run is a gamble -- can he pivot from being Trump’s loudest critic to a unifying leader for a state grappling with real, on-the-ground problems? His campaign promises sound ambitious, but in a state where progressive agendas have often led to sticker shock at the gas pump and grocery store, conservatives will be watching closely to see if his “new California” is just old policies in a shiny wrapper.