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California Rep. Eric Swalwell officially enters presidential race

Swalwell is the third House Democrat to announce a presidential bid

Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., pictured with his daughter, Kathryn, on the first day of the 116th Congress January 3, 2019, announced Monday he is running for president. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., pictured with his daughter, Kathryn, on the first day of the 116th Congress January 3, 2019, announced Monday he is running for president. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
By Lindsey McPherson
Posted April 8, 2019 at 7:56pm

California Rep. Eric Swalwell is officially running for president, becoming the third House Democrat to enter the crowded 2020 field.

Swalwell is making his announcement on CBS’s The Late Show, which tweeted a clip of him telling host Stephen Colbert, “I am running for president of the United States.” 

“It’s official. Boy did it feel good to say that,” he added.

While House members typically have a tougher go building the national profile needed to mount a successful presidential run, Swalwell does have a head start as a regular guest on cable news. 

Swalwell is an ally of Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She appointed him to co-chair the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee in 2016. The position, one of the only remaining appointed leadership roles, gives Swalwell a coveted spot at Democrats’ decision-making table.

It was not immediately clear if Swalwell planned to resign from leadership in light of his presidential bid.

House Democratic Reps. Tim Ryan of Ohio and Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii are already in the presidential race, as are their former House colleagues Beto O’Rourke of Texas and John Delaney of Maryland.

Watch: Beto O’Rourke is running for president, here are some congressional basics

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