Rep. Eric Swalwell, a Democratic congressman from California, is under fire from gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer, who has released a campaign ad utilizing footage of Swalwell lounging at the gym and pool during a 2025 government shutdown. The ads aim to highlight Swalwell's absence from the House, where he missed 95 votes, a significant number considering the death of another congressman during that period. Steyer's ad juxtaposes Swalwell's leisure activities with his responsibilities as an elected official, emphasizing the disconnect between his words and actions.

The videos showcased in the ad were initially posted by Swalwell himself, intended to communicate his frustration over Republican actions that led to the shutdown. Interestingly, Swalwell repeatedly expresses that he “should be working” while enjoying leisure time, which Steyer capitalizes on to frame Swalwell's actions as irresponsible. This form of political attack exemplifies how candidates are increasingly using social media content against their opponents, turning personal moments into political fodder.

Steyer's strategy highlights the growing trend of on-line presence playing a crucial role in political campaigns. By focusing on Swalwell's missed votes and leisure was, he seeks to portray the congressman as out of touch with the realities faced by constituents. As the gubernatorial race heats up, this advertisement illustrates the significant impact that social media and public persona can have on political reputations and election outcomes in the modern political landscape.