Election to fill U.S. Rep. Swalwell's seat set for Aug. 18

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(The Center Square) - The special election to fill the seat of U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-California, will take place Aug. 18, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday afternoon.

Swalwell resigned Tuesday after allegations of sex abuse that also led him to quit as one of the Democratic frontrunners in this year’s gubernatorial race.

Swalwell represents the traditionally Democratic 14th Congressional District, which includes the East Bay area near San Francisco.

The election will determine who will have the seat for the rest of the 2025-27 term. Congressional terms always begin and end on Jan. 3 of the year after an election.

In addition to the special election, candidates running for the 2027-29 term will face each other in the June 2 primary. The top two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, will go on to the Nov. 3 general election.

After Swalwell announced he was running for governor, several Democrats entered the race to succeed him in Congress, according to the California Secretary of State’s Office:

Melissa Hernandez, a health services director and the former mayor of Dublin, Calif.

San Leandro City Council member Victor Aguilar Jr.

Small businessman and graphic designer Matt Ortega.

Businesswoman and nonprofit director Carin Elam

Educator and nonprofit attorney Rakhi Israni Singh

State Sen. Aisha Wahab. 

Republican candidates are real estate investor Wendy Huang and business owner and florist Dena Maldonado.

Suzanne Chenault, a lawyer and teacher who lists no party affiliation, is also running.