There’s growing buzz that East Bay Congressman Eric Swalwell is considering a run for California governor, but political experts note he would be joining a crowded field.
Swalwell’s office did not immediately return NBC Bay Area’s calls, but there are growing hints he’s running to succeed current Gov. Gavin Newsom next year, and there’s growing speculation he will make his announcement Thursday on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
“Swalwell offers an interesting case, particularly for Democrats because a lot of this is going to go back to the impeachment days,” political analyst Larry Gerston said.
Gerston said being on President Donald Trump’s bad side is a badge of honor in California for Swalwell, and it’s a plus if he’s trying a run for governor.
Swalwell would join a list of 11 people formally vying for the governor’s seat. That list includes former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, former Congresswoman Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
Gerston said the fact that U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla decided not to run opens the door for other candidates.
“Yes, it opens it up for others because, had Padilla chosen to run, I think he would have been the overwhelming favorite,” Gerston said. “U.S. senator, wide recognition, Latino.”
Gerston said the list will only grow, with rumors that Congressman Ro Khanna might also enter the race, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon on the Republican side.
“It’s early, but when you’re running in a state with almost 40 million people, it’s never early enough, in a sense,” Gerston said.
The top two vote getters in the June primary, whether Republican or Democrat, will face each other next November in a race with huge implications.