Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) stepped down from Congress following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. These allegations also ended his gubernatorial campaign in California. The special election to fill the vacancy created by Swalwell’s departure remained undecided by early Wednesday morning.
Swalwell resigned in April after at least five women accused him of sexual assault. Before these allegations, he had been campaigning for governor but halted that effort.
Two women are competing for Swalwell’s congressional seat: progressive state Senator Aisha Wahab and moderate Democrat Melissa Hernandez, president of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Board. The Tuesday primary will determine who finishes Swalwell’s term and also serves as a preliminary election for the midterms. Wahab and Hernandez will compete again in November.
Wahab and Hernandez were the top two candidates in the special election’s open primary on June 16 for California’s 14th Congressional District. California’s open primary system allows the highest vote-getters to advance to the general election, regardless of party.
The Wahl-Hernandez race reflects a trend in Democratic primaries where far-left progressives, often backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, challenge establishment Democrats.
Aisha Wahab, a state senator since 2022, campaigns on cracking down on ICE, reducing prescription drug prices, and investing in green energy. Her supporters include Our Revolution, a group founded by Sen. Bernie Sanders, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and progressive Congress members Pramila Jayapal and Greg Casar.
Melissa Hernandez, daughter of Mexican immigrants, advocates for immigration system reforms and supports smart border security and regional cooperation. She has endorsements from nearly a dozen Congressional members.
Wahab faced criticism when her father urged supporters to “call ICE” on Hernandez on Facebook, leading to an apology from Wahab’s campaign.
Elaine Mallon reports on national politics for Fox News Digital and Fox Business.