California Democrats are scrambling to fill the state’s 14th Congressional District after disgraced Eric Swalwell — combating off accusations of rape and sexual assault from a number of girls — resigned from Congress Tuesday.
Virtually instantly after his resignation, Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered a particular election for Aug. 18 to switch the married former congressman, whose political profession got here crashing down from the allegations which have additionally torpedoed Swalwell’s run for governor.
His resignation was too late for the June 2 major, that means the winner of the particular election could have a brief stint that expires in 2027.
Not less than 4 main candidates had been already campaigning for the district, given Swalwell was trying to depart congress anyway for the governor’s seat. Now, these candidates should compete in June and August for each the stint and the total time period afterward.
Whoever wins the particular election, nonetheless, may have the benefit of incumbency for the overall election.
Listed here are the 4 high contenders to switch Swalwell in Congress:
State Sen. Aisha Washab
Aisha Washab at the moment serves within the California Senate. In accordance with her biography, she grew up in foster care after each mother and father died. Her adopted household confronted financial hardship however she labored full-time at school to finally graduate with a doctorate from the College of Southern California.
She labored quite a few years within the data expertise house, in response to her LinkedIn, whereas turning into mayor professional tempore and metropolis council member for town of Hayward from 2018 to 2022.
Since 2022, as state senator, she’s chaired a number of committees on the statehouse. Wahab positions herself on the left as a disrupter towards “highly effective curiosity teams” and has expressed skepticism for the pro-housing development “Sure In My Yard” motion.
Considered one of her extra controversial legislative efforts: a invoice to ban caste-based discrimination in California, which critics alleged would goal Hindus and Indian People.
Former Mayor Melissa Hernandez
Melissa Hernandez was the mayor of Dublin from 2020 to 2024 and is a board director on the Bay Space Speedy Transit. She additionally serves as a high Alameda County legislative aide overseeing well being and human companies.
A Democrat, she vowed to “present up daily able to work on the massive points, just like the rising prices of dwelling, together with housing, childcare and healthcare.”
Throughout her mayoral tenure, she centered on bringing companies and housing into town and rising entry to public transportation.
Matt Ortega
Matt Ortega, a Democrat, grew up in Hayward and now lives in San Leandro together with his household. He instantly received into politics after graduating in 2006 from the College of Arizona, becoming a member of the Defenders of Wildlife Motion Fund’s impartial expenditure marketing campaign towards Republican Rep. Richard Pombo.
He later labored for the Democratic Nationwide Committee and served within the get together’s “Web Division” to assist elect Barack Obama to the presidency in 2008. He later served as digital director for a clear vitality and local weather coalition after which left to hitch a agency.
His priorities, he advised the East Bay Instances, are housing, well being care, meals safety and taxing the rich. His marketing campaign web site positions him as an anti-Trump candidate.
Metropolis Council Member Victor Aguilar
Victor Aguilar serves on the San Leandro metropolis council and has lived within the metropolis together with his husband since 2011. He beforehand labored for Los Angeles Metropolis Council Member Richard Alatorre.
Aguilar has in depth expertise serving on the boards of organizations such because the San Leandro Unified Faculty District Board and the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District. He’s affiliated with the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee.
In accordance with his web site, he desires to control synthetic intelligence and fund common well being care. Along with creating jobs, he additionally desires to prioritize efforts to cease immigrants from being deported.
