Career Timeline of Eric Swalwell: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Eric Swalwell made an impact.

Eric Swalwell is an American lawyer and politician currently serving as the U.S. representative for California's 14th congressional district since 2023, after representing the 15th district from 2013 to 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, his district includes eastern Alameda County and part of central Contra Costa County. Swalwell has been involved in national politics, focusing on issues related to technology, cybersecurity, and government oversight. He serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Judiciary Committee.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2001: Interns for Ellen Tauscher

In 2001, Eric Swalwell began working as an unpaid intern for U.S. Representative Ellen Tauscher.

2002: Continues Internship

In 2002, Eric Swalwell continued his internship for U.S. Representative Ellen Tauscher, focusing on legislative research and constituent outreach.

2006: Joins Dublin Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission

In 2006, Eric Swalwell served on the Dublin Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission.

2008: Joins Dublin Planning Commission

In 2008, Eric Swalwell served on the Dublin Planning Commission.

2010: Elected to Dublin City Council

In 2010, Eric Swalwell was elected to the Dublin City Council.

September 2011: Files to Run for Congress

In September 2011, Eric Swalwell filed to run for Congress in California's 15th district.

2012: Endorsed by San Francisco Chronicle

During the 2012 election cycle, the San Francisco Chronicle endorsed Eric Swalwell for Congress.

2012: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives

In 2012, Eric Swalwell was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, defeating Pete Stark.

2012: Advocacy for Policy Changes

In 2012, Swalwell advocated for the repeal of the No Child Left Behind Act, increasing education funding, decreasing defense funding, creating renewable energy jobs, and raising the Social Security payroll tax cap.

March 2013: Opposition to TSA Knife Policy

In March 2013, Swalwell led the writing of an open letter opposing a TSA policy allowing passengers to bring knives onto airplanes. He also supports same-sex marriage and is pro-choice.

December 12, 2013: Introduces Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act

On December 12, 2013, Eric Swalwell introduced the Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act in the House.

2013: Represents California's 15th District

In 2013, Eric Swalwell began serving as the U.S. representative from California's 15th congressional district until 2023.

March 25, 2014: Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act Signed into Law

On March 25, 2014, President Barack Obama signed the Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act into law, a bill introduced by Eric Swalwell.

April 15, 2014: Tax Deduction Deadline

On April 15, 2014, the Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act allows Americans to deduct donations made by this date.

2014: Chairs O'Malley's PAC Leadership Circle

In 2014, Eric 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.

January 3, 2015: Sworn into Second Term

On January 3, 2015, Eric Swalwell was sworn into his second term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

April 2015: Founds Future Forum

In April 2015, Eric Swalwell founded Future Forum, a group of young House Democrats focused on the concerns of millennials.

May 2015: Launches Sharing Economy Caucus

In May 2015, Eric Swalwell and Representative Darrell Issa launched the bipartisan Sharing Economy Caucus.

February 2016: Elevated to Vice-Chair of Democratic Steering and Policy Committee

In February 2016, Nancy Pelosi elevated Eric Swalwell to vice-chair of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.

April 2016: Dubbed "Snapchat King of Congress"

In April 2016, The Hill dubbed Eric Swalwell "the Snapchat king of Congress" for his innovative use of social media.

December 2016: Introduces Protecting Our Democracy Act

In December 2016, Eric Swalwell and Representative Elijah Cummings introduced the Protecting Our Democracy Act.

December 2016: Named Co-Chair of House Democratic Steering Committee

In December 2016, Eric Swalwell was named the co-chair of the House Democratic Steering Committee.

January 3, 2017: Sworn into Third Term

On January 3, 2017, Eric Swalwell was sworn into his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

January 2017: Reintroduces Protecting Our Democracy Act

In January 2017, Eric Swalwell reintroduced the Protecting Our Democracy Act for the 115th Congress.

2017: Co-Chairs House Democratic Steering Committee

In 2017, Eric Swalwell began co-chairing the House Democratic Steering Committee.

2017: Co-sponsorship of Israel Anti-Boycott Act

In 2017, Swalwell co-sponsored the Israel Anti-Boycott Act, a House bill designed to allow U.S. states to enact laws requiring contractors to sign pledges promising not to boycott any goods from Israel and Israeli-occupied territories.

January 3, 2019: Sworn into Fourth Term

On January 3, 2019, Eric Swalwell was sworn into his fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

April 8, 2019: Presidential Candidacy Announcement on The Late Show

On April 8, 2019, Swalwell announced his candidacy for president on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and released a campaign ad on his social media pages.

April 14, 2019: Formal Campaign Announcement at Dublin High School

On April 14, 2019, Swalwell made a formal announcement of his presidential campaign at Dublin High School, emphasizing gun control as a primary focus.

July 8, 2019: Withdrawal from Presidential Race

On July 8, 2019, Swalwell withdrew from the presidential race. His polling average never rose above 1%, and he was at risk of not qualifying for the second set of debates.

July 2019: Drops Out of Presidential Race

In July 2019, Eric Swalwell dropped out of the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries and endorsed Joe Biden.

2019: Criticism of Trump's Trade War and Turkish Offensive

In 2019, Swalwell criticized Trump's trade war against China and condemned the 2019 Turkish offensive into northeastern Syria, calling for possibly suspending Turkey's membership in NATO.

2020: Presidential Primary Candidate

In 2020, Eric Swalwell was a candidate in the Democratic Party presidential primaries.

2020: Wins 2020 Election

In 2020, Eric Swalwell won the election against Republican challenger Alison Hayden.

March 2022: Proposed Measures Against Russia on CNN

In March 2022, Swalwell proposed measures in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine on CNN, including closing the Russian embassy and expelling Russian students. These remarks received backlash.

2022: Vote Against Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act

In 2022, Swalwell was one of 16 Democrats to vote against the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2022, an antitrust package designed to crack down on corporations for anti-competitive behavior.

January 2023: McCarthy Removes Swalwell from Intelligence Committee

In January 2023, after becoming Speaker, McCarthy removed Swalwell from the Intelligence Committee. McCarthy stated that after reviewing an FBI briefing, he wouldn't have Swalwell on any committee. Swalwell's membership expired in January 2023 due to term limits.