Rep. Eric Swalwell’s shoddy voting record — the worst of any active member of Congress last year — is the focus of a new, blistering attack ad by Tom Steyer, suggesting the California governor’s race is finally heating up.
Steyer, a progressive billionaire, has plowed more than $90 million into his campaign for governor, primarily through ads that focus on how he is the only candidate rich enough to challenge the wealthy elite while addressing rising utility costs and the affordability crisis.
However, the new release marks a shift in tone in the final two months before the June 2 primary election, as it shows Swalwell lounging in a swimming pool and lifting weights — two shots taken from Swalwell’s own Instagram account as he attempted to post cheeky videos blaming Republicans for the government shutdown last fall.
In December, an analysis by The Post found that Swalwell had not only missed more votes than any other active member of Congress — he’d actually been absent more than former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who spent months recovering from hip replacement surgery, and Arizona Rep. Raúl Grijalva, who died in March 2025.
“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.
