2 Democrats Advance in California Special Election to Replace Swalwell

California Democrats Melissa Hernandez and Aisha Wahab advanced to see who will replace Swalwell.
2 Democrats Advance in California Special Election to Replace Swalwell
(Left) State Sen. Aisha Wahab, a Democratic candidate for Congress in California's 14th district, poses for a photo outside the state legislature in Sacramento, Calif., on June 15, 2026. (Right) Melissa Hernandez, a Democratic candidate for Congress in California's 14th district, knocks on doors in Pleasanton, Calif., on June 14, 2026. Annie Barker/AP Photo
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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.