Gov. Gavin Newsom is scrambling to fill a suddenly vacant House seat after Eric Swalwell abruptly resigned amid explosive sexual assault allegations.
Newsom on Tuesday ordered a special election for Aug. 18 to replace the embattled Democrat, whose political career came crashing down after the accusations torpedoed his run for governor and forced him out of Congress.
The timing is a real mess.
Swalwell’s resignation landed too late to merge the race with California’s June 2 primary, triggering a separate, last-minute election that will hand the winner just a short stint in Washington before the term expires in early 2027.
The scramble was already underway before the scandal erupted, thanks to California’s rule that candidates can only run for one office at a time. The crowded field of 9 candidates had already formed to chase Swalwell’s seat as he ran for governor — even before his downfall.
Now, those candidates are battling on two fronts: the June primary for a full term and the August special election to fill the immediate vacancy.
Among the contenders: state Sen. Aisha Wahab, former Dublin Mayor Melissa Hernandez, and San Leandro City Councilmember Victor Aguilar Jr.