Rep. Eric Swalwell began his campaign for governor of California last week with a launch video that immediately drew scrutiny after viewers noticed it appeared to be filmed inside his Washington, D.C., home.
The same property is at the center of a mortgage and tax fraud referral sent to the Department of Justice earlier this month.
The overlap raised [1] new questions about Swalwell’s eligibility and political standing as he attempts to transition from Congress to statewide office.
Swalwell, 45, released a one-minute video promising to “keep the worst president in our history out of our homes, out of our streets and out of our lives,” while pledging to address rising living costs.
California needs a fighter and protector. I’m running for Governor. pic.twitter.com/foJ6PX58bq [2]
— Eric Swalwell (@ericswalwell) November 21, 2025 [3]
Social media users quickly pointed out that the setting looked identical to Swalwell’s Victorian-style home in the Eckington neighborhood of D.C., a property valued at $1.2 million.
Public records reviewed by The New York Post show Swalwell does not currently own property in California and has not been tied to an in-state address for at least a decade, a period that aligns with preparations for his first congressional run.
California’s Constitution contains a five-year residency requirement for gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial candidates.
However, Secretary of State Shirley Weber’s office has determined that the provision is unenforceable, stating it conflicts with the U.S. Constitution.
That interpretation has allowed candidates to run without meeting the residency provision, though its language remains in the state Constitution.
Swalwell enters a crowded Democratic field for the 2026 race to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited.
Early RealClearPolitics polling places former Rep. Katie Porter at the front of the Democratic field with 15.7 percent support.
Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and billionaire Tom Steyer remain below ten percent.
On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and commentator Steve Hilton are registering at 13 percent and 11.3 percent, respectively.
Both Steyer and Swalwell previously sought the Democratic presidential nomination in the 2020 cycle but exited the race before Super Tuesday.
The latest developments involving Swalwell follow a referral made on November 12 by Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte to the Department of Justice.
The referral alleges that Swalwell falsely listed his Washington residence as his primary home, a designation that could have enabled him to secure more favorable loan terms.
A source familiar with the referral told The New York Post that the alleged misrepresentation could expose Swalwell to potential charges, including mortgage fraud, insurance fraud, and violations of state or local tax law.
The FHFA inspector general is also examining the matter.
Swalwell purchased the six-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom home in 2020.
Records show the property’s original 1920s interior was removed during a full renovation prior to the sale.
BREAKING — IT’S OFFICIAL: Eric Swalwell has been referred to the DOJ for a CRIMINAL PROBE after potential mortgage fraud was uncovered
Fang Fang’s boyfriend f***ed around, and now he’s about to find out. pic.twitter.com/LV8PXWU9BN [4]
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) November 13, 2025 [5]
California law prohibits candidates for governor from holding felony convictions related to bribery, embezzlement of public funds, extortion, theft of public money, perjury, or conspiracy to commit those crimes.
Mortgage fraud is not included among the disqualifying offenses.
Swalwell is the fourth high-profile Democrat connected to mortgage fraud investigations initiated by Pulte.
Others include Sen. Adam Schiff, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook.
Each has faced inquiries regarding whether secondary homes or rental properties were improperly listed as primary residences in order to receive more favorable financing.
A federal grand jury indicted James on October 9 in Alexandria, Virginia, on charges of bank fraud and false statements tied to a $109,600 loan.
Prosecutors allege she profited by approximately $19,000. Another federal grand jury in Maryland has considered charges against Schiff since August but has not issued an indictment.
Cook was removed from the Federal Reserve by President Donald Trump after her own investigation became public.
She is currently pursuing a wrongful termination appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court.