California Democrats Melissa Hernandez and Aisha Wahab advanced Thursday to an Aug. 18 special election that will determine who serves the remaining four months of former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s congressional term, according to the Associated Press.
Swalwell resigned in April after sexual assault allegations, creating a vacancy in California’s 14th Congressional District. Because the resignation occurred during an election year, voters will cast ballots twice to choose his replacement—once in August to fill the remainder of the term through January 2027 and again Nov. 3 to elect a representative for a full two-year term beginning next year.
Hernandez, the former mayor of Dublin, California, will face state Sen. Wahab in the Aug. 18 special election. The two candidates are also competing in November’s general election for the district’s next full term.
California law requires a special election when a congressional vacancy occurs before a term expires. The winner of the August election will serve until the new Congress is sworn in next January, while the winner of the November election will represent the district through January 2029.
No Republicans advanced in either the special election or the regular election for California’s 14th Congressional District, ensuring the seat will remain in Democratic hands. The district includes several East Bay communities, including Fremont, Hayward, Livermore and surrounding areas east of San Francisco.
In a campaign message, Wahab said she has fought for affordable housing, homeownership opportunities, job creation, and workforce training. She said she has supported funding for food assistance, healthcare, and public education while working with law enforcement on public safety initiatives. Wahab also highlighted efforts to improve environmental conditions and said she is running to continue advocating for Bay Area residents.
In campaign materials, Hernandez said she would focus on lowering the cost of living, including housing, childcare, and healthcare. She criticized legislative leaders as being out of touch and serving special interests rather than residents. Hernandez said she would prioritize working families, economic opportunity, and preserving the American Dream, arguing that future generations should have the ability to do better than their parents.
The special election was triggered after Swalwell resigned from Congress in April after seven terms amid sexual assault allegations. Swalwell denied the allegations but stepped down following bipartisan calls for his resignation and the opening of a House Ethics Committee investigation.