Born on November 13, 1928, in Zeist, Zwaan began his political career at the local level. He held positions as an alderman in the municipalities of Gouda and Zeist, and later served as an alderman in the city of Utrecht. These roles provided him with extensive experience in local governance before he entered national politics.
In 1977, Zwaan was elected to the House of Representatives. During his twelve years in parliament, he became known for his work on social affairs, housing, and cultural policy. He was a dedicated member of the CDA, a prominent center-right political party in the Netherlands, and was often noted for his pragmatic approach and ability to foster consensus.
After concluding his parliamentary service in 1989, Jan Zwaan retired from national politics. He passed away on March 29, 2003, at the age of 74.