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Jane Fonda, the legendary 88-year-old actress, delivered a sharp rebuke to disgraced Eric Swalwell in a new campaign ad for Tom Steyer‘s California gubernatorial bid. The 30-second spot, released just days after Swalwell’s resignation, features Fonda’s piercing narration over an image of the embattled congressman. “Some politicians are impossible to trust,” Fonda says, her message unmistakable and hitting at the scandal that toppled a once-leading candidate.
🔥 Quick Facts
- What happened: Jane Fonda narrated an ad directly shading Eric Swalwell, 45, who resigned from Congress in disgrace this month
- The allegations: Four women accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct ranging from harassment to rape, which he has denied
- Fonda’s endorsement: The two-time Oscar winner backs Tom Steyer, calling him “the clear climate champion in this race”
- Campaign investment: The ad is part of a multi-million dollar statewide buy across digital, broadcast, and cable platforms
The Most Stunning Political Collapse in California This Year
Eric Swalwell, 45, had been the frontrunner in California’s crowded gubernatorial race just weeks ago. The Democratic congressman was frequently showcasing his wife during campaign events, building what appeared to be an unstoppable bid to replace Governor Gavin Newsom. But everything changed when multiple sexual misconduct allegations surfaced, forcing Swalwell to abandon both Congress and the race in a dramatic one-week implosion.
Four women came forward with accusations ranging from sexual harassment to rape. Former staffers detailed the alleged abuse in devastating detail. Facing the onslaught, Swalwell issued a statement admitting to past “mistakes in judgment” but denying the serious criminal allegations. His political career, however, was effectively over. The resignation sent shockwaves through the race, leaving rivals scrambling to win over his supporters.
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Jane Fonda shades disgraced Eric Swalwell in Steyer campaign ad for California governor race
How Jane Fonda Used the Moment to Boost Tom Steyer
Fonda, an outspoken climate and political activist, seized the opportunity to contrast Steyer with a politician at rock bottom. “Tom Steyer is a different story,” she continues in the ad, with the shift in tone unmistakable. The Oscar-winning actress endorsed Steyer just weeks before, praising his climate work and his willingness to stand up to corporate interests and Donald Trump.
In her endorsement statement, Fonda wrote that Steyer is “the clear climate champion in this race” and emphasized his proven commitment to fighting corruption. The 68-year-old progressive candidate and former hedge fund manager has positioned himself as a champion of both environmental justice and democratic reform. The new ad reinforces this message while simultaneously weaponizing Swalwell’s downfall against him.
The California Governor’s Race After Swalwell’s Exit
| Detail | Status |
| Debate Scheduled | April 23, 2026 (Wednesday night) |
| Democratic Candidates | 6 leading contenders including Steyer |
| Republican Candidates | Steve Hilton (Trump-endorsed), Chad Bianco |
| Network Coverage | Nexstar stations and NewsNation |
With Swalwell’s departure, the race has opened up significantly. Trump-endorsed Republican Steve Hilton has surged in some polls, according to pollsters tracking the race. Democratic candidates like Steyer, Xavier Becerra, and Katie Porter are now competing for position in a chaotic primary. The televised debate scheduled for Wednesday evening will be a crucial moment for candidates to break through the crowded field.
“Progressives like me trust Tom because he’s been on the front lines with us for over a decade. Now, Tom’s the candidate who will beat the corporate interests, making your life unaffordable.”
— Jane Fonda, Actress and Climate Activist
Trump Weighs In, Calling Steyer a “Sleazebag”
President Trump has already targeted Steyer, despite the race being months away from actual voting. On Truth Social, Trump went after Fox News for covering Steyer, calling the Democratic candidate a “LOSER.” “Why is FoxNews showing SLEAZEBAG Tom Steyer, doing a big piece on him right now,” Trump ranted, adding that Fox was “making it possible for a guy like this to win.”
The president’s attacks underscore the stakes of the race. Steyer, though facing opposition from Trump, has the backing of influential figures like Fonda. Steyer’s campaign is pouring significant resources into digital, broadcast, and cable advertising to reach California voters. His climate focus and anti-corruption messaging could resonate in the normally blue state, though the race remains volatile and deeply unpredictable.
What Comes Next in California’s Most Dramatic Election Yet?
The 2026 California gubernatorial election has become one of the most turbulent races the state has witnessed in recent memory. With Swalwell’s exit, the narrative has fundamentally shifted. Candidates are now racing to consolidate the moderate and progressive wings of the Democratic Party. Steyer’s ad with Fonda signals his confidence that he can win over voters turned off by scandal and looking for a stable, proven leader.
How will voters respond to the next twist in this unfolding story? The Wednesday debate will provide the first major test of which candidate can emerge from the chaos and build momentum. With Steyer now one of the frontrunners, his debate performance could determine whether he can translate Fonda’s endorsement and celebrity backing into actual votes. The race for California’s governorship is far from over, and every move from this point forward will be watched closely by political observers nationwide.
Sources
- The Daily Beast – Report on Jane Fonda’s ad shading Eric Swalwell and supporting Tom Steyer in California gubernatorial race
- Deadline Hollywood – Coverage of Jane Fonda narrating environment-focused campaign spot for Steyer with fleeting reference to Swalwell
- AP News – Article on six leading candidates preparing for televised debate after Swalwell’s resignation from Congress
