California Governor Gavin Newsom has scheduled a special election for August 18 to fill the congressional seat vacated by Rep. Eric Swalwell.
Swalwell resigned from Congress on Tuesday amid allegations of sexual misconduct and assault. The seat is for California’s 14th Congressional District, which includes parts of Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
Swalwell, who had served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2013, announced his resignation after multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct. Newsweek reported that allegations included unsolicited explicit messages and inappropriate physical contact. A former staffer also accused Swalwell of sexual assault at a charity gala in 2024. Swalwell has denied these allegations, stating, “I will fight the serious, false allegations made against me.”
The resignation followed Swalwell’s suspension of his campaign for California governor, where he was a leading Democratic contender. KTVU noted that the special election adds another contest to the midterms calendar, though the district is expected to remain Democratic.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the House Ethics Committee have launched investigations into the allegations. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is also investigating.
Governor Newsom’s proclamation emphasized the importance of filling the vacancy promptly. The general election for the seat will follow in November.
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