U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell’s quest to become California’s next governor is in jeopardy as a legal challenge questions his residency status in the state. A lawsuit filed in Sacramento County by conservative activist Joel Gilbert alleges that Swalwell does not meet the state’s residency requirements to run for governor.
According to the California Constitution, gubernatorial candidates must have resided in the state for at least five years prior to the election. The lawsuit claims that the address Swalwell provided on his official election paperwork is not a residential address but a business suite in a Capitol Mall high-rise, belonging to his campaign attorneys.
Gilbert alleges that Swalwell’s true residence is a $1.2 million, six-bedroom home in northeast Washington, D.C., where he lives with his wife and children. Mortgage documents from April 2022 reportedly list the D.C. property as their “principal residence.” This raises questions about Swalwell’s eligibility to run for governor, as he may not meet the residency requirements mandated by the California Constitution.
The lawsuit accuses Swalwell of perjury and calls on California Secretary of State Shirley Weber to declare him ineligible to run in the upcoming election. It cites the state constitution, which stipulates that the governor must be a resident of California for five years preceding the election. The complaint also points out that Swalwell does not own or lease any property in California, as per his congressional financial disclosures.
Swalwell, who has served in Congress since 2012, announced his candidacy for governor on a late-night talk show and quickly garnered endorsements from celebrities. However, if the lawsuit is successful, it could derail his campaign and prevent him from appearing on the ballot.
The outcome of this legal challenge could have significant implications for Swalwell’s political future and the upcoming gubernatorial race in California. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
