California's governor race just got more interesting. Rep. Eric Swalwell threw his hat in the ring Thursday, adding another unpredictable element to what's already been a chaotic Democratic primary marked by high-profile dropouts and internal party squabbling.

A Late-Night Campaign Launch

Swalwell chose an unconventional venue for his announcement: ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" He posted the news on his campaign website shortly before the late-night appearance, then made it official on air.

"I came here tonight, Jimmy, to tell you and your audience that I am running to be the next governor of California," Swalwell told Kimmel during the broadcast.

Framing The Fight Against Trump

The California congressman isn't being subtle about his campaign's central theme. In a written statement, Swalwell positioned himself squarely against President Donald Trump's policies.

"I will be California's fighter and protector," Swalwell wrote. "Our state is under attack. The President has militarized our streets, canceled cancer research, zeroed out clean energy climate projects, and is chasing our immigrant friends and neighbors through their workplaces, kids' schools, and houses of worship."

It's a combative opening salvo that signals exactly what kind of campaign Swalwell plans to run.

A Wide-Open Democratic Field

Swalwell's entry comes after months of turmoil that's left the Democratic primary without a clear frontrunner. The list of prominent politicians who decided not to run reads like a who's who of California politics.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris passed on the race, as did former state Senate leader Toni Atkins and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis. Sen. Alex Padilla chose to stay in the Senate rather than jump into the governor's race.

Perhaps most dramatically, former Rep. Katie Porter's campaign imploded after viral footage surfaced showing her berating a staff member.

Swalwell's Track Record On Controversy

Swalwell isn't new to making waves. Earlier this year, he announced on X that he was running for governor, describing himself as the state's "fighter and protector."

Back in July, he drew national attention for publicly criticizing House Speaker Mike Johnson, accusing the Louisiana Republican of blocking the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files. The accusation ramped up partisan tensions over congressional transparency.

Johnson defended his position, pointing to a Rules Committee vote that blocked a Democratic amendment calling for full document release. The Speaker emphasized Republican priorities including military pay and GOP-backed cryptocurrency legislation called GENIUS.

Now Swalwell is taking that combative approach and directing it toward winning California's top job. With the Democratic field still unsettled and no obvious frontrunner, his late entry could reshape the entire race.