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Eric Swalwell

Eric Swalwell is an American Democratic politician from California who served in the U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Eric Swalwell is an American Democratic politician who represented California in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2026. Prior to Congress, he served on the Dublin City Council and ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020.

Early life and education

Swalwell was born in Sac City, Iowa, and later grew up in Dublin, California. He graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, and the University of Maryland School of Law.

Political career

He served on the Dublin City Council before being elected to Congress in 2012. In the House, he represented California districts in the San Francisco Bay Area and served on committees including Intelligence and Judiciary.

National campaigns

Swalwell entered the 2020 Democratic presidential race but did not become a major contender. He later announced a campaign for California governor in 2026.

Policy positions

During his presidential campaign, Swalwell emphasized gun violence prevention, including universal background checks and assault weapon restrictions. He also supported abortion rights and same-sex marriage.

Key facts

Swalwell was first elected to the U.S. House in 2012 and took office in January 2013.
He represented California congressional districts in the East Bay area, including parts of Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
Before Congress, he served on the Dublin City Council and worked in local government and law enforcement roles.
He ran for the Democratic nomination for president in 2020 and later sought California’s governorship in 2026.
Congressional records list him as a Democrat and identify his House service from 2013 through 2026.

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Canadian context

Swalwell is relevant to Canadian readers mainly through U.S.-Canada relations and congressional oversight of foreign policy, intelligence, and cross-border issues, areas in which he served on House committees.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Eric Swalwell?

Eric Swalwell is an American Democratic politician who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from California from 2013 to 2026.

Where was Eric Swalwell born?

He was born in Sac City, Iowa, on November 16, 1980.

What office did he hold before Congress?

Before Congress, he served on the Dublin, California, City Council from 2010 to 2013.

Did Eric Swalwell run for president?

Yes. He ran for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 presidential election.

What education does he have?

He attended the University of Maryland, College Park, and earned a J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Swalwell
Supports: Birth date, birthplace, party, city council service, congressional service, and general biography.
GovInfo / Congressional Directory — https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CDIR-2018-10-29/html/CDIR-2018-10-29-CA-H-15.htm
Supports: Birthplace, education, previous public service, and committee assignments.
Congress.gov — https://www.congress.gov/member/eric-swalwell/S001193
Supports: Official congressional member record, party affiliation, and House service.
PolitiFact — https://www.politifact.com/article/2019/jun/25/who-eric-swalwell-democratic-candidate-president/
Supports: 2020 presidential campaign, policy positions, and basic biography.
The Famous People — https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/eric-swalwell-51171.php
Supports: Career overview and some education/work-history details; used cautiously against official sources.
Simple English Wikipedia — https://www.simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Swalwell
Supports: Announcement of 2026 California gubernatorial candidacy.