But as a result of California’s monthlong window of early voting, there will be two weeks of overlap between voting in the primary election and special election — meaning thousands of voters in this district might be juggling two different ballots during that time.
Here’s a guide to help East Bay voters sort through the unexpected election wrinkle.
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Why is there a special election for Congress in the 14th District?
Swalwell decided last year to run for governor instead of seeking another term in Congress. A crowded field of candidates jumped into the primary to succeed him in representing the 14th District — with the top two finishers in the June 2 primary, regardless of party, advancing to the November general election.
But on April 10, Swalwell was accused of sexual assault by a former staff member in reports published by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN. Since then, more women have come forward with sexual assault and misconduct allegations, which Swalwell has denied.
On April 12, Swalwell suspended his campaign for governor. A day later, he announced he was resigning from Congress — a position he’d have otherwise continued to serve in for the rest of the year.
Swalwell’s departure leaves a vacancy in a district that includes Castro Valley, Hayward, Livermore, Pleasanton and Union City, and parts of Dublin, Fremont, and San Leandro.
On April 14, Gov. Gavin Newsom called a special election to fill the seat as soon as possible during the few months between Swalwell’s resignation and when his East Bay seat would change hands.
Why isn’t this special election being held with the June primary?
First off, combining the special election vote with the June 2 primary would not have been legal.
But with an election already underway to succeed Swalwell, Newsom could have chosen to leave the seat open until January.
Instead, he called the special election within hours of Swalwell’s resignation and scheduled it for Aug. 18, the earliest date allowed under state law, which requires at least 126 days between the governor’s proclamation and an election.
But this vote to replace Swalwell in the 14th District first needed a primary election. And since California election rules require a primary to be held nine Tuesdays before the special election, this has resulted in the June 16 primary special election date.
With control of the House of Representatives separated by just a handful of votes, Newsom moved quickly to get a representative in the safely Democratic 14th District. For comparison, when Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa died in January, Newsom waited 10 days before calling a special election.
Who is running in the special election to replace Swalwell in his East Bay congressional district?
Eleven candidates are on the special election ballot. State Sen. Aisha Wahab, former BART Director Melissa Hernandez and educator Rakhi Israni are the most notable Democrats in the race.
Also on the ballot: Democrats Alisha Cordes, a business administrator, administrative law judge Sheriene Ridenour and businessman Jot Thiara.
The Republicans running are real estate investor Wendy Huang, florist Dena Maldonado, businessman Tom Wong and educator Jack Wu. Victor Zevallos, a financial business strategist, is running as an independent.
