Swalwell for California Governor Campaign Announces New Deputy Campaign Manager

Congressman Eric Swalwell’s campaign for California governor announced a major staffing addition, naming longtime political organizer Ben Seinfeld as Deputy Campaign Manager as the 2026 race continues to take shape.

The announcement was made in Los Angeles, with the campaign saying Seinfeld will oversee operations and political outreach statewide, a key role as the contest for governor intensifies.

Seinfeld most recently served as Political Director for the California Democratic Party, where he led the party’s statewide coordinated campaigns for three election cycles. During that time, he played a central role in helping Democrats flip four congressional seats in 2024. He also helped guide the party through the operational challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while expanding voter access and participation across California.

Seinfeld brings deep campaign experience, having worked on efforts for Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, before serving six years as Political Director under California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks.

He joins a growing campaign leadership team that includes Campaign Manager Yardena Wolf, General Consultant Kate Maeder of KMM Strategies, Senior Advisor Mary Hodge, Pollster Emily Kirby Goodman of EMC Research, Political Director Perry Meade, Digital Director Raphael Liy, and BCom Solutions for digital fundraising.

The staffing announcement comes as new polling suggests Swalwell is gaining early momentum. Politico reported on an FM3 Research poll showing Swalwell leading Democratic voters at 30 percent, ahead of Katie Porter at 21 percent. A separate Emerson College Polling survey also showed Swalwell surging into the lead in a crowded field.

Swalwell, who represents California’s 14th Congressional District in the East Bay, has positioned himself as a “fighter and protector” for Californians, focusing on affordability, economic growth, and modernizing state government.

With Governor Gavin Newsom term-limited in 2026, the race is wide open. The primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.

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