California Governor Hopeful Faces Residency Questions
California Congressman Eric Swalwell, a Democrat, is hoping to become the next governor of the Golden State. However, questions are being raised about whether he truly lives there.
A legal challenge has been filed, claiming Swalwell doesn’t meet the requirement of living in California for five years before the election. The challenge points to public records that seemingly show Swalwell doesn’t own or rent property in California. It also notes that his financial disclosures from 2011 to 2024 do not list any California real estate.
Swalwell’s campaign dismisses these claims as “nonsense.” They say he has always had a home in the Bay Area, a California driver’s license, and paid California taxes. His campaign also stated that he listed his attorney’s office as his address on filings due to receiving death threats.
The person who filed the legal challenge says Swalwell’s response is a “smokescreen.” They emphasize that the California Constitution requires a governor to be a resident of the state for five years. They also noted that Swalwell is not being personally sued, but that the California secretary of state is being called on to decide if he is eligible.
This isn’t the only trouble for Swalwell. The Department of Justice is looking into his past mortgages, with questions about whether he claimed his primary residence was in Washington, D.C. to get better loan terms.
Adding to the situation, Swalwell has filed a lawsuit against an official who reported him to the DOJ, alleging abuse of power.
The question of where Swalwell truly resides remains a key issue as he seeks the state’s highest office.
