{"id":82128,"date":"2026-06-16T00:36:24","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T04:36:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/crowded-special-election-underway-to-fill-swalwells-california-congressional-seat\/"},"modified":"2026-06-16T00:36:24","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T04:36:24","slug":"crowded-special-election-underway-to-fill-swalwells-california-congressional-seat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/crowded-special-election-underway-to-fill-swalwells-california-congressional-seat\/","title":{"rendered":"Crowded Special Election Underway to Fill Swalwell’s California Congressional Seat"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n

Residents of a San Francisco Bay Area congressional district went to the polls Tuesday to decide who will take over the seat left vacant by Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, who stepped down from Congress after facing allegations of sexual assault.<\/p>

The special primary election is being held for California’s 14th Congressional District, a heavily Democratic area covering East Bay communities including Fremont, Hayward, and Livermore. Swalwell routinely defeated Republican opponents by large margins during his time representing the district.<\/p>

A candidate who earns more than 50% of Tuesday’s vote will win the seat outright and serve the rest of Swalwell’s term through January. If no one clears that threshold, the top two finishers \u2014 regardless of party \u2014 will meet in an August 18 runoff election.<\/p>

Eleven candidates appear on the ballot. Among the leading Democrats are Aisha Wahab, a state senator who built her campaign around lowering housing costs, and Melissa Hernandez, a Bay Area Rapid Transit board director and former mayor of the East Bay city of Dublin.<\/p>

On the Republican side, the field includes Wendy Huang, a real estate investor, and Dena Maldonado, who operates a small flower business.<\/p>

This special election is separate from a regular primary held June 2 for a full term beginning in January. Many of the same candidates appeared on both ballots. Wahab and Hernandez finished as the top two vote-getters in that June contest and are already set to face each other in the November general election.<\/p>

For Wahab or Hernandez, a victory in Tuesday’s special election would offer a chance to serve in the seat for several months before the full-term race \u2014 potentially boosting their name recognition and giving them governing experience to highlight on the campaign trail.<\/p>

Also in the running is Rakhi Israni Singh, an attorney and businesswoman who ran in the June statewide primary but did not finish in the top two. She is seeking the opportunity to fill the remainder of Swalwell’s term through Tuesday’s ballot.<\/p>

Swalwell served seven terms in Congress before announcing his resignation in April. He also withdrew from California’s governor’s race at the same time. His departure came after the San Francisco Chronicle published a report alleging he sexually assaulted a woman on two occasions, including during a period when she was employed by him. CNN later reported that additional women accused him of sending inappropriate messages and explicit photos.<\/p>

Swalwell has consistently denied all of the allegations against him, but stated that staying in Congress would be unfair to the people he represented.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Voters in a San Francisco Bay Area congressional district are heading to the polls Tuesday to choose a replacement for former Rep. Eric Swalwell, who resigned following sexual assault allegations. Eleven candidates are vying for the seat in California’s 14th Congressional District. If no candidate tops 50% of the vote, the top two finishers will advance to an August 18 runoff.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":82127,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[833],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-82128","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/news-1781584584584.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pbtNqq-lmE","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":81757,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/california-special-primary-narrows-field-to-replace-resigned-congressman-swalwell\/","url_meta":{"origin":82128,"position":0},"title":"California Special Primary Narrows Field to Replace Resigned Congressman Swalwell","author":"Admin","date":"June 15, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Bay Area voters are heading to the polls Tuesday to narrow down a field of nearly a dozen candidates vying to fill the congressional seat left vacant by former U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell. Swalwell resigned from Congress in April after sexual-assault allegations he has denied. The outcome could further tighten\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Politics"","block_context":{"text":"Politics","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/politics\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/news-1781526732686.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/news-1781526732686.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/news-1781526732686.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/news-1781526732686.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":51660,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/california-governors-race-reshuffles-after-swalwell-drops-out-amid-scandal\/","url_meta":{"origin":82128,"position":1},"title":"California Governor’s Race Reshuffles After Swalwell Drops Out Amid Scandal","author":"Admin","date":"April 14, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"California's gubernatorial contest has been upended following Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell's campaign suspension and congressional resignation over sexual assault allegations. The crowded field of over 50 candidates is now scrambling for Swalwell's former supporters ahead of the June 2 primary election.","rel":"","context":"In "Politics"","block_context":{"text":"Politics","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/politics\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1776141635318.jpg?fit=1000%2C707&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1776141635318.jpg?fit=1000%2C707&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1776141635318.jpg?fit=1000%2C707&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1776141635318.jpg?fit=1000%2C707&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":40073,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/california-congressman-swalwell-becomes-top-target-in-governors-race\/","url_meta":{"origin":82128,"position":2},"title":"California Congressman Swalwell Becomes Top Target in Governor’s Race","author":"Admin","date":"March 20, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell has emerged as the primary target of attacks from both sides in California's crowded gubernatorial race. Rivals are questioning his congressional attendance, residency status, and policy positions as he gains momentum ahead of the June primary.","rel":"","context":"In "Politics"","block_context":{"text":"Politics","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/politics\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1774017477221.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1774017477221.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1774017477221.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1774017477221.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":50420,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/california-congressman-faces-sexual-assault-claims-rivals-call-for-exit\/","url_meta":{"origin":82128,"position":3},"title":"California Congressman Faces Sexual Assault Claims, Rivals Call for Exit","author":"Admin","date":"April 10, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell, who is running for California governor, is facing sexual assault allegations from a woman who says he assaulted her twice. The accusations have prompted several political allies to withdraw support and rivals to demand he drop out of the gubernatorial race.","rel":"","context":"In "Politics"","block_context":{"text":"Politics","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/politics\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775867820495.jpg?fit=1000%2C687&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775867820495.jpg?fit=1000%2C687&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775867820495.jpg?fit=1000%2C687&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775867820495.jpg?fit=1000%2C687&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":50418,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/democratic-congressman-faces-sexual-assault-claims-rivals-call-for-exit-from-ca-race\/","url_meta":{"origin":82128,"position":4},"title":"Democratic Congressman Faces Sexual Assault Claims, Rivals Call for Exit from CA Race","author":"Admin","date":"April 10, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"California Congressman Eric Swalwell is facing sexual assault allegations from a former staffer, which he strongly denies as politically motivated attacks. Political allies are withdrawing support and urging him to abandon his gubernatorial campaign as the primary election approaches.","rel":"","context":"In "Politics"","block_context":{"text":"Politics","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/politics\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775867819629.jpg?fit=1000%2C687&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775867819629.jpg?fit=1000%2C687&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775867819629.jpg?fit=1000%2C687&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775867819629.jpg?fit=1000%2C687&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":51680,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/california-congressman-drops-out-of-governors-race-after-sexual-assault-claims\/","url_meta":{"origin":82128,"position":5},"title":"California Congressman Drops Out of Governor’s Race After Sexual Assault Claims","author":"Admin","date":"April 14, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Rep. Eric Swalwell has withdrawn from California's gubernatorial race and announced he's leaving Congress following sexual assault allegations that emerged this week. The Democratic congressman denies the accusations but says he needs to focus on defending himself rather than campaigning.","rel":"","context":"In "Politics"","block_context":{"text":"Politics","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/politics\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1776145056736.jpg?fit=1000%2C669&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1776145056736.jpg?fit=1000%2C669&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1776145056736.jpg?fit=1000%2C669&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1776145056736.jpg?fit=1000%2C669&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82128","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=82128"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82128\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/82127"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=82128"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=82128"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=82128"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}