A special election to finish out the remainder of Eric Swalwell’s term in Congress will take place this summer following his resignation in the wake of multiple sexual misconduct allegations, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday.
The Democratic governor set the date for Aug. 18.
Mr. Swalwell, also a California Democrat, resigned his House seat Tuesday amid the allegations.
Two days before, he terminated his gubernatorial campaign, for which he was his party’s front-runner, as party leaders called for an investigation into the rape claims, plus powerful individuals and groups withdrew their support.
Mr. Swalwell apologized for his “mistakes in judgment” but has denied the accusations. Even upon ending his campaign for governor, he vowed to “fight the serious, false allegation made against me.”
“Congressman Eric Swalwell categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled against him,” Sara Azari, the former lawmaker’s attorney, said in a statement Tuesday.
A special primary for Mr. Swalwell’s seat, in a Democratic stronghold, will take place on June 16. The ballot will include all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, per California law. If no one wins over 50% of the vote, the top two vote-getters in the special primary will advance to the August election.
The final winner will serve the remainder of the term, ending in January.
Nine candidates are already running to fill the void and take over the full term beginning in 2027. This includes six Democrats: state Sen. Aisha Wahab, San Leandro City Council member Victor Aguilar Jr., Bay Area Rapid Transit Board President Melissa Hernandez, businesswoman Carin Elam, businessman Matt Ortega and attorney Rakhi Israni.
Real estate investor Wendy Huang and business owner Dena Maldonado make up the two Republican candidates. Lawyer Suzanne Chenault is running as an independent.
Another vacancy has spurred the need for a special election following the death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa, California Republican, in January. A special election for his remaining term will take place on Aug. 4 if no candidate takes more than half of the vote in the June 2 primary.
Mr. Swalwell is not the only congressman exiting the House over sexual misconduct. He is joined by Rep. Tony Gonzales, Texas Republican, who is leaving after admitting to an affair with a staff member, who later died by suicide.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has yet to announce a special election for Mr. Gonzales’ seat.
