California special election to replace disgraced Rep Eric Swalwell set for August

California Governor Gavin Newsom has set a date for a special election to fill disgraced Rep. Eric Swalwell's seat after he resigned from Congress amid allegations of rape and sexual assault. Swalwell was forced to drop out of the California gubernatorial race as well as quit his seat due to the salacious accusations. 

"I, Gavin Newsom, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim and order that a special election shall be held on the 18th day of August 2026, within the 14th Congressional District of the State, to fill the vacancy in the office of the U.S. House of Representatives from said district resulting from the resignation of Representative Eric Swalwell," Newsom said.

Swalwell officially resigned from Congress on Tuesday after the serious allegations against him were made public. Video showing Swalwell in compromising sexual circumstances was also released by Human Events Daily's Jack Posobiec and Martin Shkreli showing Swalwell in bed with a woman who was not his wife.

"I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make," Swalwell said in a statement.

"I am aware of the efforts to bring an immediate expulsion vote against me and other members. Expelling anyone in Congress without due process, within days of an allegation being made, is wrong. But it’s also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress," he added. "I will work with my staff in the coming days to ensure they are able, in my absence, to serve the needs of the good people of the 14th district."

Swalwell as well as Rep. Tony Gonzales submitted resignation letters on Tuesday to avoid expected votes to expel them from Congress. Gonzales admitted to having an affair with a staffer who later burned herself alive.