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Swalwell Gains Ground as Siebel Newsom Faces Scrutiny

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, February 25th 2026 at 13:16 GMT by East Bay Times
      Locales: California, UNITED STATES

California Political Winds Shift: Swalwell Gains Ground, Siebel Newsom Faces Headwinds

Sacramento, CA - February 25th, 2026 - California's political landscape is currently experiencing a distinct divergence, with Congressman Eric Swalwell enjoying a surge in positive momentum while Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the state's First Partner, navigates a period of heightened scrutiny. This week's developments highlight the delicate balance of power and perception in the Golden State, where policy successes and public image are often intertwined.

For Swalwell, a Democrat representing California's 9th congressional district, the past seven days have been marked by a noticeable uptick in favorable coverage. This isn't merely superficial praise; the Congressman has been actively championing national security legislation, specifically concentrating on the increasingly critical areas of cybersecurity and countering foreign influence operations. His work isn't just partisan posturing. Swalwell has managed to forge a reputation - and garner support - across the political spectrum, presenting himself as a pragmatic and solutions-oriented legislator. In an era of deep polarization, this positioning is proving to be a powerful asset.

Sources within Swalwell's office confirm the Congressman has been deeply involved in crafting amendments to the 2026 Cybersecurity Infrastructure Act, focusing on bolstering public-private partnerships and funding for local law enforcement's digital forensics capabilities. He's also been a vocal advocate for increased intelligence gathering regarding foreign interference in US elections, pushing for greater transparency and accountability from social media platforms. This consistent focus on tangible national security threats has allowed Swalwell to effectively bypass the usual partisan bickering and establish himself as a credible voice on matters of vital importance.

However, the same cannot be said for Jennifer Siebel Newsom. While her advocacy for arts and culture remains broadly popular - particularly her recent initiative to expand arts education in underserved communities - her deeper involvement in state policy decisions is attracting unwelcome attention. Critics argue that her influence over Governor Gavin Newsom's decision-making process is excessive and lacks sufficient public transparency. Specifically, questions have been raised regarding her involvement in the allocation of state funds towards cultural projects and her participation in closed-door meetings with key stakeholders.

The scrutiny isn't simply about the policy itself; it's about the perception of influence. Detractors point to instances where Siebel Newsom's personal preferences appear to have heavily influenced project selection criteria, bypassing established bureaucratic processes. While proponents of her work emphasize her dedication to enriching the state's cultural landscape, opponents accuse her of blurring the lines between her role as First Partner and a de facto policymaker. Recent reporting by the Sacramento Bee detailed several instances where Siebel Newsom directly engaged with state agency heads, advocating for specific initiatives without formally registering as a lobbyist. This has fueled accusations of undue influence and a lack of accountability.

The contrast between Swalwell and Siebel Newsom is particularly stark. Swalwell's successes are being actively amplified by media outlets seeking examples of bipartisan cooperation and effective governance. Siebel Newsom, meanwhile, is facing a relentless barrage of negative press, with every action and engagement meticulously dissected and analyzed. This disparity underscores a crucial lesson in California politics: good intentions, even when earnestly pursued, can quickly be overshadowed by perceived impropriety or a lack of transparency.

Looking ahead, Swalwell is well-positioned to continue capitalizing on the momentum he's built. The ongoing geopolitical instability and escalating cyber threats will likely keep national security issues at the forefront of the political agenda, providing him with ample opportunities to showcase his expertise. For Siebel Newsom, the path forward is considerably more challenging. She must proactively address the concerns surrounding her role, emphasize transparency in her engagements, and demonstrate a clear distinction between her advocacy efforts and the formal policymaking process. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether she can effectively navigate this turbulent period and restore public trust, or if the current wave of criticism will continue to erode her standing within the state.