A special election is underway to fill a congressional seat in the East Bay after former Congressman Eric Swalwell resigned amid serious allegations. Governor Gavin Newsom has officially announced this move, paving the way for a competitive race ahead.
Registered voters across California are starting to receive their ballots for the upcoming primary election set for June 2, 2026. While excitement builds, many voters have questions about what to expect.
Key Races to Watch
The most anticipated item on the ballot is the race for California’s next governor, as Governor Newsom will be termed out of office. However, several other important positions are also on the line, including district attorney roles in Santa Clara and Alameda counties. Additionally, voters will decide who will step in to replace Nancy Pelosi in the House of Representatives following her retirement.
California’s primary system is open, allowing voters to choose candidates regardless of their party affiliation. This means that candidates from all parties will appear on the same ballot, and the top two candidates will move on to the general election in November. If a candidate in a county-level race, such as district attorney, secures over 50% of the votes, they will win outright.
Who’s Running for Key Positions?
In the race for governor, a total of 61 candidates have declared their candidacy, with the most viable contenders narrowing down to eight—two Republicans and six Democrats.
As for Pelosi’s former seat, three prominent Democrats are vying for this opportunity. California Senator Scott Wiener, San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, and Saikat Chakrabarti, a progressive influence who has previously worked as chief of staff for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, are among the top candidates. Marie Hurabiell, previously a registered Republican, adds to the diversity of the field, presenting herself as a pragmatic candidate in the race.
In the contest to replace Eric Swalwell, nine candidates are in the running. State Senator Aisha Wahab, who has roots in the Hayward City Council, and Melissa Hernandez, the current president of the BART board and former mayor of Dublin, are notable figures in this group. The winner of this election will also need to participate in a special election on August 18.
For those looking to vote, information regarding election drop-off boxes across Southern California can be found through the Secretary of State and local county election websites.
