Tom Steyer Critiques Eric Swalwell's Congressional Attendance in Gubernatorial Race

California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer has launched a campaign ad targeting fellow Democratic candidate Rep. Eric Swalwell, criticizing him for missing a significant number of House votes. In a post on the social platform X, Steyer stated, “Call me old-fashioned, but you typically need to show up to work to get a promotion.” The ad features footage of Swalwell at a gym, where he expresses sentiments such as “I should be working right now” and “I should be in Congress.” This footage was taken from a video Swalwell released after House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) sent lawmakers home early for summer recess, which Swalwell claimed was an attempt to avoid a vote on the Epstein files.

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The ad claims that Swalwell missed 95 votes in 2025, more than Rep. Raul Grijalva, who passed away in March of that year. It further states that Swalwell has missed 68 percent of the votes since declaring his candidacy for governor. The text in the ad emphasizes that Swalwell's primary responsibility as a congressman is to vote.

The Hill

In response to Steyer's ad, Swalwell's campaign did not provide an immediate comment. However, Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), who previously served as Swalwell's national campaign chairman during the 2020 presidential campaign, criticized Steyer's approach. Gallego remarked, “Tom, while you were sitting in your $30 million house on Jan 6, Eric Swalwell was with me on the floor of the House — fighting to save our Democracy from a mob.” He added that such criticisms from billionaires contribute to public disdain for wealthy individuals.

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Steyer and Swalwell are among several candidates vying to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). Other Democratic contenders include former Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.), former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, and state Superintendent of Public Education Tony Thurmond. Republican candidates in the race include Fox News commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.

The Hill

Critics of Steyer's ad have pointed out that attacking Swalwell's attendance record may not resonate well with voters, especially given the context of Swalwell's actions during significant national events, such as the January 6 Capitol riots. The ad's focus on Swalwell's missed votes raises questions about the effectiveness of such criticisms in a crowded gubernatorial race.

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As the campaign progresses, candidates will continue to address key issues facing California, including housing affordability and economic challenges. The dynamics of the race may shift as candidates respond to attacks and refine their platforms in the lead-up to the election.

The Hill