California Sets Special Election to Fill Swalwell's Seat

Governor Newsom announces August 18 vote after congressman's resignation amid misconduct allegations

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A quiet, cinematic painting of a dimly lit government office space with a lone desk and chair, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the somber mood surrounding a political scandal.The resignation of a high-profile congressman amid misconduct allegations casts a somber shadow over the political landscape.Alameda Today

California Governor Gavin Newsom has set an August 18 special election to fill the congressional seat vacated by Eric Swalwell, the Democratic representative who resigned this week following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and assault. Swalwell's sudden political downfall comes just months after he dropped out of the race for California governor.

Why it matters

Swalwell's resignation and the upcoming special election highlight the ongoing challenges of addressing allegations of sexual harassment and assault in Congress, an issue that has gained renewed attention in recent years. The race to fill the 14th Congressional District seat could also have implications for the balance of power in the House of Representatives.

The details

Swalwell officially resigned from Congress on Tuesday, a day after Newsom issued a proclamation setting the special election date. The former congressman apologized for 'mistakes in judgment' but denied the 'serious, false allegations' against him. At least five women have come forward to accuse Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including a woman who alleged he drugged and raped her in 2018.

  • On April 15, 2026, California Governor Gavin Newsom set the date for the special election to fill Eric Swalwell's congressional seat.
  • On April 14, 2026, Swalwell officially resigned from Congress.
  • On Sunday, April 12, 2026, Swalwell dropped out of the race for California governor after the misconduct allegations surfaced.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The current Governor of California who issued the proclamation setting the special election date.

Eric Swalwell

The former Democratic congressman for California's 14th Congressional District who resigned amid multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and assault.

Tony Gonzales

The Republican congressman from Texas who also resigned from Congress on Tuesday after admitting to an affair with a subordinate who later died by suicide.

Lonna Drewes

A woman who came forward on Tuesday to allege that Swalwell drugged and raped her in 2018.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.”

— Eric Swalwell, Former Congressman

“Swalwell categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled against him.”

— Swalwell's Attorney

What’s next

The judge in Swalwell's case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing allegations of sexual misconduct in Congress, an issue that has gained renewed attention in recent years. The special election to fill Swalwell's seat could have implications for the balance of power in the House of Representatives.