California Congressman Eric Swalwell has navigated a turbulent political landscape, facing accusations of compromising relationships and questions about his suitability for a position on the House Intelligence Committee. Now, a new detail has surfaced, potentially escalating the controversy to a constitutional level.
Despite publicly identifying Livermore, California as his hometown and maintaining that affiliation on official records, Swalwell has officially declared a property in Washington, D.C. as his “principal residence.” This declaration, documented in a public Deed of Trust dated April 18, 2022, carries significant weight, as it was a condition of securing a loan for the property.
The document explicitly states the borrower is liable for any false or misleading statements regarding occupancy. This means Swalwell legally affirmed the D.C. address as his primary home, raising a critical question about his eligibility to represent a California district.
The U.S. Constitution mandates that members of Congress be “inhabitants” of the state they serve. In California, this requires demonstrable ties – a verifiable residence, voter registration, state tax payments, and a California driver’s license. These are the fundamental requirements for legitimately representing the state’s interests.
Currently, public records reveal no evidence of Swalwell owning or leasing a home within California. The address most frequently linked to his past, 320 Michell Court in Livermore, is the long-time residence of the Mrzywka family, who have lived there continuously since 2008.
This discrepancy could trigger serious legal and ethical challenges. A false claim of residency could lead to tax implications, accusations of misrepresentation to lenders, and even a challenge to his right to hold office. The stakes are undeniably high.
The revelation is particularly damaging given Swalwell’s past political tactics. He previously attacked his predecessor, Pete Stark, for being “out of touch” due to residing outside of California, even running campaign ads mocking Stark’s absence. Now, Swalwell faces similar accusations of detachment.
Adding another layer to the situation is Swalwell’s precarious financial standing. His recent financial disclosure report reveals a troubling pattern of debt, despite thirteen years of congressional income. He continues to carry substantial student loan and credit card balances, and has even cashed out his pension.
These persistent debts, largely unchanged since his initial campaign in 2011, raise questions about his financial judgment and responsibility. It’s possible this financial strain contributes to his inability to maintain a residence in the state he represents.
Swalwell joins others, like Adam Schiff and Letitia James, who have faced scrutiny over similar “principal residence” claims. Ironically, Swalwell built his political profile on aggressively criticizing Donald Trump, even filing a lawsuit accusing him of inciting the January 6th Capitol breach.
He has consistently positioned himself as a champion of accountability and democratic principles, demanding adherence to the “peaceful transfer of power.” Yet, his own actions appear to fall short of the standards he publicly espouses.
The time for transparency is now. Swalwell’s declaration of a Washington, D.C. principal residence, coupled with the lack of a verifiable California address, raises serious concerns about deception towards both his lenders and his constituents.
The law is unambiguous: a member of Congress must maintain a genuine connection to the state they represent. By seemingly abandoning any legitimate California address, Swalwell risks disqualification and a betrayal of the voters who entrusted him with their representation.
The hypocrisy is stark. The man who once condemned others for being “out of touch” may have effectively moved out of state himself. If Swalwell cannot substantiate a legitimate California home, a swift resignation would be the only ethical course of action, preempting potential legal challenges and a loss of public trust.
