On November 26, 2025, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) offered a striking metaphor for the current state of Democratic Party leadership: it’s an “Avengers” moment. In a candid interview on CNN’s “The Arena,” Swalwell described a party with no single, clear leader, but instead a dynamic team of rising voices—each bringing their own strengths to the table during a period of uncertainty and transition.
Swalwell, who recently announced his candidacy for governor of California, was asked by CNN’s Kasie Hunt to weigh in on who he saw as the standard-bearer for Democrats. The question came on the heels of Democratic strategist James Carville’s assertion that “there can’t be” a party leader until a presidential nominee is chosen. Without missing a beat, Swalwell replied, “It’s the Avengers right now.”
He elaborated on his analogy, highlighting a few of his colleagues. “You’ve got Jasmine Crockett coming to California, helping us elevate the vote to pass Prop 50. Ruben Gallego is going to Iowa and New Hampshire as a Marine, Latino, first in his family to go to college,” he said, referencing Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) and Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), both of whom have been outspoken critics of the Trump administration and are seen as rising stars in the party. “There’s a bunch of us who are stepping up, but we all understand, you know, the assignment, and that is to bring down prices, period.”
Swalwell’s comments come amid a period of soul-searching for Democrats. The party has been searching for new leadership since the conclusion of the 2024 presidential election, a contest that left many progressives dissatisfied with the approach of established figures like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.). According to Fox News, progressive Democrats have increasingly voiced frustration over the party’s handling of the government shutdown and their response to the Trump administration’s policies.
President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has repeatedly labeled Jasmine Crockett as the “future of the Democratic Party,” a point not lost on Swalwell as he praised her efforts in California to help pass Proposition 50. Crockett’s growing profile is emblematic of a new generation of Democratic lawmakers who are eager to take the reins and shape the party’s agenda.
Sen. Ruben Gallego, another figure mentioned by Swalwell, has also been making waves. Gallego’s background as a Marine, his Latino heritage, and his status as the first in his family to attend college have made him a compelling figure as he campaigns in key early primary states like Iowa and New Hampshire. His story resonates with voters looking for authenticity and a fresh perspective—qualities that many Democrats believe are essential for the party’s future success.
Yet, despite his praise for these emerging leaders, Swalwell notably omitted his own state’s governor, Gavin Newsom, from his initial list. When Hunt pointed out the omission—especially significant given Newsom’s status as a likely contender for president in 2028—Swalwell was quick to clarify his position. He offered high praise for Newsom’s approach to leadership, contrasting it sharply with that of Schumer.
“Well, he is a ‘show-don’t-tell’ leader, that’s why you’re seeing … his leadership style being mimicked by others, in a good way,” Swalwell said of Newsom. “Because some Democratic leaders send eight-page strongly worded letters to the president when they don’t like something. Gavin Newsom goes to the courts and wins to get the troops out of our streets, and he went to the voters and has won to match what Texas did with their rigged districting process.”
Swalwell’s “show-not-tell” label for Newsom underscores a broader debate within the party about the most effective way to lead and achieve results. While some, like Schumer, are known for their lengthy public statements and letters, others, like Newsom, have preferred direct action—whether through the courts or the ballot box. “That show-not-tell style is what people expect right now,” Swalwell added, making it clear that he believes action, not rhetoric, is what resonates most with voters in the current climate.
When pressed by Hunt about whether his “strongly worded letters” remark was a direct jab at Schumer, Swalwell didn’t hesitate. “A direct reference, yes,” he confirmed, leaving little doubt about his opinion of the Senate Minority Leader’s approach.
The search for leadership within the Democratic Party is not just a matter of style, but also of substance and direction. As highlighted by Fox News, progressive factions have begun to turn against established leaders like Schumer and Jeffries, especially in the wake of contentious issues such as the government shutdown and the party’s strategy against the Trump administration. This internal friction has left the party without a singular voice, leading to the kind of “Avengers” team dynamic that Swalwell described.
Adding complexity to the leadership landscape, other figures outside of Congress have been floated as potential new faces for the party. For example, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pointed to New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani as a possible leader, following a meeting between Mamdani and President Trump. “He is clearly the leader of the Democratic Party now. And I think it speaks to how open-minded the president is, that he invited him into the Oval,” Bessent told CNBC, according to Fox News. This reflects the ongoing debate within the party—and among its observers—about who truly represents its future.
Swalwell’s remarks, then, serve as both a snapshot of the current moment and a call to action. By framing the party as a team of superheroes, each bringing unique abilities and perspectives, he acknowledges the absence of a single leader while also highlighting the energy and commitment of those stepping up. The challenge for Democrats will be to harness this diverse talent and channel it into a coherent vision that can inspire voters and deliver results on key issues like the economy and voting rights.
As the Democratic Party moves forward, the debate over leadership styles, generational change, and the path to 2028 will likely intensify. For now, though, it’s clear that figures like Crockett, Gallego, and Newsom are at the forefront of this evolving story—each playing their part in what Swalwell calls the “assignment” to bring down prices and address the needs of everyday Americans. Whether this “Avengers” model can provide the unity and direction the party needs remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Democratic leadership contest is far from over, and the next chapter promises to be anything but dull.