Swalwell Faces Criticism Over Missed Votes Amid Resurfaced Gym and Pool Videos in California Governor Race
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — As California’s gubernatorial race intensifies, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) finds himself under renewed scrutiny after videos of him at a gym and pool during the 2025 government shutdown resurfaced. These clips, originally shared by Swalwell to criticize Republicans for the shutdown, have now been repurposed by his Democratic rival, billionaire Tom Steyer, to underscore Swalwell’s missed votes in Congress.
Steyer’s campaign launched a pointed advertisement that juxtaposes Swalwell’s own words — “I should be working” — with footage of the congressman exercising and relaxing by the pool. The ad highlights that Swalwell missed 95 votes in 2025, a figure notably higher than that of Rep. Raul Grijalva, who passed away in March 2025. The campaign’s message is clear: Swalwell’s job is to vote in Congress, and his absenteeism is unacceptable.
Swalwell’s videos initially aimed to place blame on Republicans for the prolonged shutdown, which lasted over 40 days and disrupted government operations nationwide. However, the visuals have become a double-edged sword, providing ammunition for political opponents who question Swalwell’s commitment to his legislative duties.
Missed votes have become a focal point in the race, with Steyer emphasizing accountability and presence in Washington as critical qualities for California’s next governor. The campaign’s strategy leverages publicly available congressional voting records, which are meticulously tracked and reported by official sources such as the U.S. House of Representatives Office of the Clerk. These records confirm Swalwell’s attendance record and provide a factual basis for the criticism.
Swalwell, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, has been a vocal figure on national security and domestic policy issues. Yet, his opponents argue that his physical absence during key votes undermines his effectiveness. The controversy also recalls previous scrutiny Swalwell faced regarding his interactions with foreign nationals, which stirred debate over his judgment and priorities.
The 2025 government shutdown, which halted many federal activities, was a pivotal moment that affected numerous lawmakers’ schedules. Still, the expectation remains that elected officials prioritize their legislative responsibilities, especially during crises. The Congressional Research Service notes that attendance and voting are essential duties for members of Congress, impacting legislation and constituent representation.
Steyer’s campaign ad has sparked discussion about the balance between public image and legislative accountability. While Swalwell’s videos were intended to highlight the shutdown’s impact, they inadvertently exposed his own absences. This dynamic illustrates the challenges politicians face in managing both their public personas and their official obligations.
As the race for California governor heats up, the issue of missed votes is likely to remain a significant point of contention. Voters and political analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Swalwell addresses these criticisms and whether he can shift the narrative in his favor.
For more information on congressional voting records and member attendance, visit the House Clerk’s official site and the Congressional Research Service. Additional context on the 2025 government shutdown can be found through the Government Publishing Office.
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