A fierce challenge has erupted in the California gubernatorial race, with Democratic contender Tom Steyer unleashing a particularly biting attack ad against his opponent, Representative Eric Swalwell. The ad doesn’t rely on accusations, but rather on Swalwell’s own words, turning his previous statements into potent political ammunition.
The core of the attack centers around a series of videos Swalwell posted during a government shutdown. Originally intended to criticize Republicans, the videos featured Swalwell repeatedly stating, “I should be working.” Steyer’s campaign cleverly repurposed these clips, framing them as evidence of Swalwell’s dereliction of duty.
The ad bluntly states Swalwell’s job is to vote in Congress, then juxtaposes that with footage of him relaxing by the pool and lifting weights. It highlights a staggering statistic: Swalwell missed 95 votes during the shutdown, even surpassing the number missed by a colleague who tragically passed away during that period.
Data reveals the extent of Swalwell’s absences. Between September 2025 and February 2026, he missed a remarkable 73% of roll call votes – 102 out of 139. This pattern continued even after he announced his bid to unseat Governor Gavin Newsom, with his campaign claiming a 68% missed vote rate since declaring his candidacy.
The ad concludes with a pointed question: “He hasn’t been showing up to work, and now he’s asking for a promotion?” The final montage shows Swalwell bench pressing, contrasting his gym time with the image of a legislator in a suit on Capitol Hill.
Political commentators have reacted strongly to the ad, with one describing it as “savage.” Others noted the early negativity signals a particularly contentious primary season for the Democratic party. The ad’s impact is undeniable, sparking widespread discussion and scrutiny.
Swalwell initially posted the videos last summer, claiming Republicans had sent Congress home over a dispute regarding the release of Epstein files. He lamented being unable to work on issues like lowering costs and healthcare affordability, all while filming himself poolside.
Critics pointed out the irony of Swalwell’s complaints, noting he diligently documented his workouts even while absent from legislative duties. One observer wryly commented that the shutdown wasn’t the issue, as Swalwell was being “outvoted by deceased colleagues.”
The disagreement over the shutdown’s cause centered on Republican claims that Democrats were attempting to push through measures already being handled by the executive branch. Regardless of the reason, Swalwell continued to share videos of himself engaging in activities far removed from the halls of Congress – throwing out a baseball pitch and lifting weights, all while repeating his refrain of “I should be working.”
Requests for comment from Swalwell and his representatives regarding the criticism went unanswered, leaving the ad’s powerful message to resonate without a direct response. The controversy underscores the high stakes and increasingly sharp tactics in the race for California’s governorship.
