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Prepare for some political drama!
Representative Eric Swalwell is under fire in a hard-hitting new advertisement from Tom Steyer, spotlighting Swalwell’s questionable voting record. The ad highlights that Swalwell had the poorest attendance record of any sitting member of Congress last year, signaling that the race for California’s governor is becoming increasingly competitive.
Steyer, a wealthy progressive, has invested over $90 million into his gubernatorial campaign, focusing largely on ads that portray him as the only candidate financially robust enough to take on the affluent elite. His campaign also addresses pressing issues like soaring utility bills and the broader affordability crisis.
This latest ad, however, marks a noticeable change in strategy as the June 2 primary nears. It features footage of Swalwell relaxing in a swimming pool and lifting weights, taken from his own Instagram account. These clips were initially posted as humorous commentary, blaming Republicans for last fall’s government shutdown.
An analysis by The Post in December revealed that Swalwell not only had the worst voting record among active lawmakers, but he also missed more sessions than former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was recuperating from hip surgery, and Arizona Representative Raúl Grijalva, who passed away in March 2025.
“Eric Swalwell doesn’t work,” declares the ad’s voiceover, noting that the congressman missed critical votes on significant issues such as war powers, healthcare, and immigration detentions involving children.
“Eric Swalwell doesn’t work,” an ad voiceover says, adding that key votes Swalwell skipped included issues like war powers, healthcare, and ICE immigration detentions that involved children.
“He’s missed 68% of his votes,” the ad continues, documenting absences from late November through late March — the period in which Swalwell announced his campaign.
Politico was first to report the negative ad on Swalwell, suggesting it marks a “growing feud between Steyer and Swalwell,” who are in a crowded Democratic field that is topped by the two candidates and former congresswoman Katie Porter.
“Call me old school, but you typically have to do your job before you earn a promotion,” Kevin Liao, a spokesperson for Steyer’s campaign, told The Post.
“California’s next governor needs to be serious about leading this state and improving people’s lives — Swalwell’s record makes clear he isn’t.”
Swalwell’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Swalwell’s has been so habitually truant from the House floor that The Post was able to uncover he’s been missing votes in Congress while posting videos of himself at the Beverly Hills mansion of billionaire Stephen Cloobeck.
Cloobeck, who briefly ran for governor last year, has been an ardent supporter of Swalwell’s campaign, not only giving advice and resources but also dropping more than $1 million in support of the congressman’s candidacy.
Politico reports that the ad will be broadcast statewide on cable and digital platforms.
