Eric Swalwell

Eric Swalwell
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from California's 15th district
Assumed office
January 3, 2013
Preceded by Pete Stark (previously known as 13th district)
Personal details
Born Eric Michael Swalwell Jr.
(1980-11-16) November 16, 1980
Sac City, Iowa, U.S.
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s)
Brittany Watts (m. 2016)
Children 1
Education Campbell University
University of Maryland, College Park (BA)
University of Maryland, Baltimore (JD)
Website House
Campaign

Eric Michael Swalwell Jr. /ˈswɔːlˌwɛl/ (born November 16, 1980) is an American politician from California, who serves as the U.S. Representative from California's 15th congressional district. He is a member of the Democratic Party. His district covers most of eastern Alameda County and part of central Contra Costa County, including San Ramon, Castro Valley, Hayward, Pleasanton, Livermore, Fremont, Sunol, Union City, and his hometown of Dublin. He was elected in November 2012, defeating incumbent Pete Stark, a fellow Democrat almost a half-century Swalwell's senior, who had held the office since 1973. Swalwell took office on January 3, 2013.[1][2][3][4]

Swalwell has been mentioned as a potential presidential candidate in 2020, and has publicly expressed interest in such a prospect.[5]

Early life and education

Swalwell was born in Sac City, Iowa, the first of four sons of Eric Nelson Swalwell and Vicky Joe Swalwell; his father at that time was serving as police chief in Algona, Iowa. After leaving Iowa, the family eventually settled in Dublin, California.[6] He graduated from Wells Middle School, and then from Dublin High School in 1999.[7]

He attended Campbell University in North Carolina on a soccer scholarship from 1999 to 2001.[8][9] He lost the scholarship after suffering an injury.[6] He then transferred to the University of Maryland, College Park, as a junior.[8] In 2003, he received a bachelor's degree in Government and Politics at Maryland, and in 2006 earned his J.D. degree from the University of Maryland School of Law. He served on the city council of College Park, Maryland, as its student representative.[10]

At the University of Maryland, Swalwell served as Vice President of Campus Affairs for the Student Government Association, and was an elected member of the Student-Faculty-Staff University Senate and of its executive committee. He was also an active member of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity.[11] He also served as the student liaison to the City Council of College Park;[12] this appointment inspired other college towns to consider similar arrangements.[13]

In 2014, Swalwell announced that he would serve as chairman of Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley's O' Say Can You See PAC's Young Professionals Leadership Circle due to his friendship with the governor. He made clear that his support was about the 2014 midterm elections and not an endorsement of a potential presidential bid by O'Malley in 2016.[14] However, Swalwell did ultimately endorse O'Malley in July 2015.[15]

Local political career

In 2001 and 2002, Swalwell interned for U.S. Rep. Ellen Tauscher D-CA 10th, in Washington, D.C., focusing on legislative research and constituent outreach and services.[10] The September 11 terrorist attacks occurred during his internship, inspiring him to public service. The attacks also inspired his first legislative achievement: using his Student Government Association position at Maryland to create a public-private college scholarship program for students who lost parents in the attacks.

After graduating from law school, he worked as an Alameda County deputy district attorney. He also served on the Dublin Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission from 2006 to 2008 and on the Dublin Planning Commission from 2008 to 2010 before winning election to the Dublin City Council in 2010.[16]

U.S. House of Representatives

2012 campaign

Representative Eric Swalwell on the Capitol Hill steps with friends, family, and campaign staff.

In September 2011, Swalwell filed papers to run for Congress in the 15th District.[17] The district had previously been the 13th, represented by 20-term incumbent Pete Stark, a fellow Democrat. Stark had represented the district since 1973, seven years before Swalwell was born. He took a leave of absence from the Dublin city council in order to run for the seat.[6] While he was running for the seat, an attempted recall of Swalwell from the Dublin City Council was begun, but after he won election to US House, the attempt was abandoned.

Swalwell was able to contest Stark in the general election because of a new primary system in California. Under that new system, the top two primary vote-getters advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.[18] In the June primary election, Stark finished first with 41.8% of the vote, Swalwell placed second with 36% of the vote, and independent candidate, but ideologically conservative, Chris Pareja finished third with 22.2% of the vote.[19]

In the November 2012 general election, Swalwell was endorsed by the San Francisco Chronicle.[20][21] During the 2012 election cycle, Swalwell was accused by the Stark campaign of being a Tea Party candidate. The accusation was refuted by Swalwell and the San Jose Mercury News, which also endorsed Swalwell.[22] Stark refused to debate Swalwell during the campaign. In response to Stark's refusal to debate, Swalwell organized a mock debate with an actor playing Pete Stark, quoting him verbatim when answering the moderator. Other campaign gimmicks included Chinese-manufactured rubber ducks, and a dreadlocked, bearded information man.[4][23]

In the November 2012 election, Swalwell defeated Stark, 52.1% to 47.9%.[24]

Committee assignments

Caucus memberships

U.S. House career

Swalwell was sworn in on January 3, 2013, becoming only the third person to represent this district and its predecessors since 1945. George P. Miller had held the seat from 1945 to 1973; Stark won it after unseating Miller in the 1972 Democratic primary.

In his first term, Swalwell served on the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. Swalwell helped lead the fight against Transportation Security Administration administrator John Pistole on his decision to lift the ban on pocketknives at airport security;[26] the decision eventually was reversed.

Soon after taking office, Swalwell helped establish the United Solutions Caucus, a bipartisan group of freshman House members that met regularly to discuss areas of agreement.[27] United Solutions Caucus members introduced several iterations of the bipartisan Savings, Accountability, Value, and Efficiency (SAVE) Act to cut approximately hundreds of billions in government spending over 10 years by rooting out waste and improving efficiency.[28]

During a House vote on June 18, 2013,[29] Swalwell recorded a video of his vote against a bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks to his mobile phone (the video was a six-second clip of him pressing the "nay" button on the electronic voting machine) and uploaded it to Vine, an internet video service.[30] House rules bar "the use of mobile electronic devices that impair decorum" and provide that "No device may be used for still photography or for audio or video recording."[30] Swalwell defended the action, stating "We operate under rules that were created in the eighteenth century, and I think it's time that the Congress start to act more like regular Americans do. I did not see this as impairing the decorum. I think what this did was highlight, for all to see, the democratic process."[30]

On December 12, 2013, Swalwell introduced the Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act into the House.[31] The bill allowed Americans to deduct from their 2013 taxes any charitable donations made between January 1, 2014, and April 15, 2014, provided they were made for the relief of victims in the Republic of the Philippines affected by Typhoon Haiyan.[31] The typhoon did an estimated $1 billion in damage and killed thousands of people.[32] Swawell said that "Typhoon Haiyan devastated many parts of the Philippines and we should make it as easy as possible for Americans who want to assist those affected by the storm."[32] Swalwell saw the bill as providing "another incentive for Americans to donate and donate now - when their help is needed most".[32] On March 25, 2014, this legislation was signed into law by President Obama.[33]

By the end of his first term, Swalwell had gotten three bills through the House and two of them signed into law — more than any other freshman.[34]

Swalwell was challenged in 2014 by Hugh Bussell, a senior manager at Workday and an Alameda County Republican Central Committee member, and by California State Senate Majority Leader Ellen Corbett, D-Hayward. Corbett placed third in June's top-two primary,[35] and Swalwell defeated Bussell in November, 69.8 percent to 30.2 percent.[36]

In his second term, Swalwell served on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and as ranking member of its CIA Subcommittee; he also retained his seat on the Science Committee.

Swalwell meets with President Barack Obama, February 12, 2015

Swalwell in April 2015 founded Future Forum,[37] a group of young House Democrats focused upon the concerns and needs of the millennial generation. Swalwell still chairs the group – now numbering 27 members – and has traveled to more than 40 cities to listen to millennials' concerns at college campuses, business incubators, and other locales. These listening sessions have led Swalwell to become particularly outspoken on the issue of student loan debt;[38] as of mid-2017, Swalwell said he himself still carried almost $100,000 in debt from his undergraduate and law-school education.

Swalwell in May 2015 joined with Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) to launch the bipartisan Sharing Economy Caucus,[39] to explore how this burgeoning new economic sector can benefit more Americans.

In February 2016, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi elevated Swalwell to vice-chair of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee,[40] which sets the Democratic policy agenda and nominates Democratic Members for committee assignments.

Swalwell was challenged in 2016 by Republican Danny Reid Turner of Livermore.[41] Swalwell defeated Turner in November, 73.8 percent to 26.2 percent.[42]

In December 2016, Swalwell was named the co-chair of Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, serving with Rosa DeLauro.[43]

In his third term, Swalwell retained his Intelligence Committee seat but left the Science committee in order to serve on the House Committee on the Judiciary,[44] and on its Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property and its Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law.

Swalwell and Rep. Elijah Cummings in December 2016 introduced the Protecting Our Democracy Act,[45] which would create an independent, bipartisan-appointed commission to investigate foreign interference in the 2016 election. They reintroduced the legislation for the 115th Congress in January 2017,[46] and it soon won co-sponsorship from all House Democrats.

Through this legislation and the Intelligence Committee's hearings, Swalwell emerged as a voice in the investigation of possible collusion between Russia and Donald Trump's presidential campaign. He has been a constant presence on national news networks throughout 2017.[47]

Swalwell also is known for his innovative and extensive use of social media to connect with constituents. In April 2016, The Hill dubbed him "the Snapchat king of Congress",[48] and he used Facebook Live and Periscope to broadcast House Democrats' historic gun-violence sit-in in June 2016.[49] Swalwell later called for new policies regarding cameras on the House floor,[50] and Republicans considered fining him and others for streaming the sit-in;[51] neither has occurred.

Political positions

Swalwell has advocated the repeal of the No Child Left Behind Act, and increasing funding for education, while decreasing funding for defense. He has also advocated for renewable energy jobs to be created with federal stimulus money. He has stated he would attempt to raise the cap on the Social Security payroll tax (which currently applies to annual earnings only up to $110,000 as of 2012), so that wealthier Americans would pay more into the program. He has proposed the idea of a "mobile Congress", with members casting votes remotely, while spending more time in their districts.[52][53] In March 2013 Swalwell led in the writing of an open letter to John S. Pistole, Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), opposing the new policy which would allow passengers to bring knives on-board airplanes.[54] He is a strong supporter of LGBT people, and is staunchly pro-choice.[55] On February 8, 2018, Swalwell introduced the Journalist Protection Act as a response to President Trump's intimidation of journalists.[56]

Personal life

Swalwell and his first wife are divorced. He married his second wife in October 2016: Brittany Watts, a sales director at the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay.[57] Together, the couple have a son, Eric Nelson Swalwell, born in 2017.[58]

References

  1. ↑ Lochhead, Carolyn. "Pete Stark behind Eric Swalwell in early returns". Blog.sfgate.com. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
  2. ↑ "U.S. House of Representatives District 15 districtwide results". California Secretary of State. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
  3. ↑ "Dublin High School Alumni (sic) Eric Swalwell Defeats 40-Year Congressman Pete Stark". OneDublin.org.
  4. 1 2 "Election 2012: Eric Swalwell defeats 20-term Rep. Pete Stark". KGO. Retrieved November 8, 2012.
  5. ↑ Phillip Matier; Andrew Ross (August 12, 2018). "Eric Swalwell, still a relative newbie in Congress, looking to presidential run". San Francisco Chronicle.
  6. 1 2 3 "Eric Swalwell – Election 2012". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
  7. ↑ "Eric Swalwell Jr. profile". OneDublin.org.
  8. 1 2 "Eric Swalwell: Members of Congress". Roll Call. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
  9. ↑ "Biography". U.S. House of Representatives. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
  10. 1 2 "Dublin Councilman Eric Swalwell seeking congressional seat in 2012 election". Pleasanton Weekly. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
  11. ↑ Swalwell, Eric (August 26, 2002). "Finding A Voice". Student Leader.
  12. ↑ Boyes, Amy (January 23, 2003). "Student liaison works to improve relationship with city". The Gazette.
  13. ↑ Graham, Jessica (February 25, 2003). "Council may change shape with ISU seat". Iowa State Daily.
  14. ↑ Memoli, Michael. "California Rep. Swalwell says he joined O'Malley for 2014, not 2016". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 2, 2014.
  15. ↑ Easley, Jonathan. "O'Malley nets first congressional endorsement". The Hill Ballot Box blog. Retrieved July 26, 2015.
  16. ↑ "November 2010 Election Results" (PDF). Alameda County Registrar of Voters.
  17. ↑ Richman, Josh (September 21, 2011). "County prosecutor, Dublin councilman to challenge Pete Stark". East Bay Times.
  18. ↑ Onishi, Norimitsu (September 24, 2012). "'Top-Two' Election Change in California Upends Races". The New York Times. California. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  19. ↑ Bond, Shane (2012-06-08). "Stark Wins Congressional Primary, Swalwell Comes in Second". The Pioneer. Retrieved 2018-09-18.
  20. ↑ "Eric Swalwell for 15th District". SFGate. October 12, 2012. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
  21. ↑ Miranda S. Spivack (December 29, 2011). "Maryland grad and California prosecutor challenges House veteran Pete Stark". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
  22. ↑ "Political Blotter: Eric Swalwell a tea partier? Um, no". San Jose Mercury News. November 2, 2012. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
  23. ↑ "Risks Of Kids In Campaign Discourse; Swalwell's Moneyball Run For Congress".
  24. ↑ "Office of the California Secretary of State" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
  25. ↑ "Members". Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Retrieved 17 May 2018.
  26. ↑ Lochhead, Carolyn (April 9, 2013). "Eric Swalwell raises profile in knife fight". SFGate.
  27. ↑ Strong, Jonathan (2013-02-15). "Let's Get Along: House Freshmen Embrace Bipartisan Comity". Roll Call. Retrieved 2017-09-24.
  28. ↑ "Congressional United Solutions Caucus Press release: Murphy Unveils Bipartisan Bill to Cut $479 Billion in Wasteful Government Spending". LegiStorm. Retrieved 2017-09-24.
  29. ↑ "Rep. Swalwell Vine Vote".
  30. 1 2 3 Joan E. Greve (June 20, 2013). "Rep. Swalwell Defends Uploading Vote Video to Vine".
  31. 1 2 "H.R. 3771 - Summary". United States Congress. Retrieved March 21, 2014.
  32. 1 2 3 Kasperowicz, Pete (March 20, 2014). "House looks to boost Philippines typhoon recovery efforts". The Hill. Retrieved March 21, 2014.
  33. ↑ Michaela Del Callar, Obama signs law allowing American donors to claim deductions on Yolanda donations, GMA News (March 26, 2014).
  34. ↑ "'Do-nothing Congress'? Not for Rep. Eric Swalwell". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2017-09-24.
  35. ↑ "June 2014 primary results, California Sec'y of State" (PDF). California Secretary of State.
  36. ↑ "Nov. 2014 general election results, California Sec'y of State" (PDF). California Secretary of State.
  37. ↑ "Future Forum". Future Forum.
  38. ↑ Wire, Sarah D. (April 15, 2016). "Young Democrats find a topic that connects with millennials: Massive Debt". Los Angeles Times.
  39. ↑ Kartch, John. "Meet The Congressional Sharing Economy Caucus". Forbes. Retrieved 2017-09-24.
  40. ↑ "Swalwell Named Vice Chair of House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, Feb. 5, 2016". Congressman Eric Swalwell.
  41. ↑ "Danny Turner: A Pragmatic Republican for California's 15th Congressional District". Danny Reid Turner.
  42. ↑ "Nov. 2016 election results, California Secretary of State" (PDF). California Secretary of State.
  43. ↑ Walsh, Jeremy (December 8, 2016). "Swalwell named to party leadership post: Youngest co-chair of Democratic Steering and Policy Committee". Pleasanton Weekly. Retrieved March 24, 2017.
  44. ↑ "Swalwell Appointed to House Judiciary Committee". Congressman Eric Swalwell. January 11, 2017.
  45. ↑ "H.R. 6447, The Protecting Our Democracy Act". U.S. Congress.
  46. ↑ "H.R. 356, The Protecting Our Democracy Act". U.S. Congress.
  47. ↑ Gammon, Robert (September 11, 2017). "Prosecuting the President". Oakland Magazine.
  48. ↑ Lorenz, Taylor (2016-04-27). "How Rep. Eric Swalwell became the Snapchat king of Congress". The Hill. Retrieved 2017-09-24.
  49. ↑ Wire, Sarah D. "California House members were the public's eyes during the Democrats' gun control sit-in". Los Angeles Times. ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved 2017-09-24.
  50. ↑ "Swalwell Leads Call for New Policy Regarding Cameras on House Floor". Congressman Eric Swalwell. 2016-07-12. Retrieved 2017-09-24.
  51. ↑ "House GOP Proposes Fines For Livestreaming After Gun Control Sit-In". Talking Points Memo. Retrieved 2017-09-24.
  52. ↑ "Eric Swalwell - Candidate for U.S. President, Republican Nomination - Election 2012". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  53. ↑ Josh Richman, Rep. Pete Stark faces challenge from young Democrat and tea party independent, East Bay Times (May 21, 2012): "Swalwell said he would save Social Security by raising the payroll tax cap from its current $110,000 and raise the retirement age to better reflect life expectancies."
  54. ↑ "March 2013 Press Release".
  55. ↑ "Eric Swalwell recommended for House". San Francisco Chronicle. May 4, 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  56. ↑ "Dem law takes aim at Trump, makes 'intimidating' journalists a federal crime". WND. July 2, 2018.
  57. ↑ "Brittany Watts, Eric Swalwell". The New York Times. October 16, 2016. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
  58. ↑ Wire, Sarah D. "California Rep. Eric Swalwell and wife Brittany welcome a baby boy, Nelson". Los Angeles Times.
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by
Pete Stark		 Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from California's 15th congressional district
2013–present		 Incumbent
Party political offices
Preceded by
Donna Edwards		 Chair of the House Democratic Policy Committee
2017–present		 Incumbent
Current U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by
Chris Stewart
R-Utah		 United States Representatives by seniority
293rd		 Succeeded by
Mark Takano
D-California
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