Eric Swalwell, the Democratic congressman from California’s East Bay, is gaining significant financial support from Hollywood donors as he pursues a run for governor in 2026. Leading the pack in entertainment industry contributions, Swalwell has raised over $100,000 from prominent figures in the film and television world, reflecting the sector’s growing interest in influencing the state’s gubernatorial race.
Hollywood Heavyweights Rally Behind Swalwell’s Campaign
Among Swalwell’s notable campaign contributors, actor Sean Penn donated $15,000, marking one of the larger individual gifts. In addition, acclaimed actors Robert De Niro and Jon Hamm each contributed $10,000, while Jon Cryer, known for his role in Two and a Half Men, also gave a similar sum. The late actor and director Rob Reiner had pledged $10,000 prior to his passing, underscoring further industry support.
The congressman’s campaign records reveal that he has secured the most entertainment sector donations of all candidates aiming to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited. Swalwell’s capacity to attract this affluent donor base signals a strong Hollywood alignment with his political ambitions.
Campaign Attendance and Vote Absences Spark Criticism
Swalwell has faced scrutiny for missing more House floor votes in the past year than any other member of Congress, with some absences linked to his engagements in Hollywood events. Notably, in February, he skipped votes to attend the premiere of HBO’s hit series White Lotus in Los Angeles.
Producers of the show, including David Bernad, Shawn Ryan of The Night Agent, and Alex Baskin of Vanderpump Rules and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, have collectively contributed significant donations amounting to $20,000. This pattern illustrates the connection between Swalwell’s campaign activities and the entertainment industry’s influence.
Diverse Support from Across Hollywood and Industry Leaders
Other contributors include comedian Kathy Griffin, who donated $10,000, and Bryan Lourd, CEO of Creative Artists Agency, who added a $12,500 contribution, reflecting the participation of high-profile industry executives. While some gubernatorial contenders have attracted donations from iconic figures such as Jane Fonda, Swalwell remains the leading recipient among those seeking Newsom’s office.
Experts Highlight the Stakes for Hollywood in California Politics
Larry Gerston, a political science professor emeritus at San Jose State University, explained that the entertainment sector is deeply concerned about the increasing role of artificial intelligence in content creation.
“The Hollywood types have issues. For one thing, AI has thrown the Hollywood people into a tizzy, because they fear that AI will basically replace them,”
Gerston said.
The state’s film and television industry has been contending with challenges, including a significant exodus of production companies to other regions offering more lucrative tax credits. In response, Governor Newsom expanded California’s tax credit program last summer from $330 million to $750 million annually in an effort to retain the industry’s presence.
Gerston noted that these pressures create critical considerations for Hollywood’s support of gubernatorial candidates.
“There are three issues right there that Hollywood types are going to look at when it comes to these candidates and ask, ‘Do these people represent me and my art?’”
he added.
Other Candidates Also Courting Hollywood Donors
Former Representative Katie Porter, another Democratic contender, has attracted contributions from notable entertainment figures such as Jane Fonda, who donated $7,600, and a combined $20,000 from actress Rene Russo and veteran television producer Marcy Carsey. Porter’s donor list also includes David Mandel, executive producer of HBO’s Veep, who gave $5,000.
Gerston said Porter’s campaign appears to resonate with interests in women’s issues, stating,
“You can see there is interest there from women and women’s issues.”
Amid these donations, Porter carries a controversial public image after a widely publicized incident involving a heated exchange with a staffer.
Former Congress member and current California Attorney General Xavier Becerra also boasts a history of star-studded donations, including $5,400 gifts in 2016 from Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg and DreamWorks CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg, prior to formally announcing his gubernatorial campaign.
Campaigns of Other Candidates Show Limited Hollywood Involvement
In contrast, Antonio Villaraigosa, former mayor of Los Angeles, has not attracted many entertainment donations beyond a few producers, and former state controller Betty Yee’s campaign filings include only a nominal contribution of $210 from actress Mimi Kennedy.
On the Republican side, frontrunners Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco did not report any donations from Hollywood figures. However, Hilton received a $39,200 donation from cryptocurrency billionaire Chris Larsen and has loaned his own campaign nearly $191,000, highlighting a shifting financial backing landscape.
Meanwhile, billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer vastly outpaced most competitors by investing $28 million of his own money into his campaign, underscoring the steep spending hierarchy in the race.
Hollywood Influence Expected to Grow as Primary Nears
With a fresh wave of campaign finance reports due soon, experts like Gerston forecast an escalation in contributions from Los Angeles entertainment stars as the June primary draws closer. Despite the surge in financial support from Hollywood, Gerston cautions that celebrity endorsements may have limited sway over the electorate’s decisions.
“It’s hard for people to hear this sometimes, because we all have this image, but endorsements rarely make a difference — even from Hollywood types,”
Gerston remarked, highlighting the complex dynamics between celebrity influence and voter behavior in California politics.
