Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell is facing criticism for his frequent absences from Congress as he shifts his focus toward a 2026 bid for Governor of California. According to an analysis by The Post, the 45-year-old congressman has missed 95 out of 342 House floor votes this year, the second-highest total of any member and the most among currently active representatives.
Swalwell’s high rate of absenteeism—which surpasses elderly members dealing with health issues and even the late Rep. Raúl Grijalva—coincides with a series of high-profile appearances with celebrities. Records show that on November 20, the day he announced his gubernatorial campaign on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, Swalwell skipped two House votes. He has not cast a single roll call vote since mid-November. Earlier in the year, he missed two days of legislative business while attending a red-carpet premiere for HBO’s “White Lotus” in Los Angeles.
Political analysts suggest these absences could become a significant political liability. “If I were part of his constituency, I’d be pretty ticked off,” noted San Francisco-based analyst David Latterman, questioning whether Swalwell is prioritizing self-promotion over his duties to his district. Democratic consultant Elizabeth Ashford called the record a “forced error,” noting that failing to show up more often than a deceased colleague is a difficult optic to defend.
Swalwell’s campaign has also drawn financial support from Hollywood, including large donations from Sean Penn, Robert De Niro, and Jon Cryer. Despite his absence from the Capitol—including missing a recent committee hearing on ICE enforcement—his campaign and congressional office have declined to comment on his attendance record.
The trend of representatives missing votes while seeking higher office isn’t unique to Swalwell; former New Jersey Rep. Mikie Sherrill topped the list with 171 missed votes during her successful gubernatorial run. However, as the field for the 2026 California governor’s race takes shape, Swalwell’s critics and constituents are increasingly questioning his commitment to his current role in Washington.