The political landscape of California’s 14th Congressional District is poised for a significant shift as voters prepare to participate in a special primary election on June 16, 2026. This election aims to fill the seat vacated by former Rep. Eric Swalwell, who resigned in April following sexual-assault allegations he has denied. The outcome of this election could further tighten the already thin Republican majority in the U.S. House.
The special primary is part of a dual election process. While this primary will determine who serves out the remaining 15 weeks of Swalwell’s term, another campaign is underway for the regularly scheduled election to serve in the next Congress starting in January 2027. The top two finishers in the special primary, regardless of party, will advance to a special general election on August 18, 2026.
The Candidates and Their Backgrounds
The special primary features a diverse field of candidates. Among the Democrats are former Dublin mayor and Bay Area Rapid Transit board member Melissa Hernandezstate Sen. Aisha Wahaband attorney and education entrepreneur Rakhi Israni Singh. The Republican candidates include real estate investor Wendy Huang and small business owner Dena Maldonado.
These candidates also competed in the June 2 primary for the full-term seat, with Wahab and Hernandez securing the top two spots. This ensures the seat will remain in Democratic hands next year. The current district boundaries, which include parts of Hayward, Livermore, Pleasanton, and Union City, as well as portions of San Leandro, Fremont, and Dublin, will be used for the special election.
Voting Dynamics and Key Facts
The special primary is conducted under California’s top-two primary system, where all candidates run on the same ballot. Polls close at 8 p.m. PT (11 p.m. ET), and the Associated Press will provide vote results and declare winners. Any registered voter in the pre-redistricting version of the 14th Congressional District is eligible to vote.
As of October 2026, there were about 429,000 registered voters in the district, with Democrats making up 50.4% and Republicans 17.6%. Early and absentee voting is prevalent, with about 93% of Alameda County voters casting their ballots either early in person or by mail in the March 2026 primary. As of Sunday, about 110,000 ballots had already been cast, with Democrats leading in early voting.
Implications of Early and Absentee Voting
The release of early and absentee votes could initially favor Democratic candidates, as mail voting tends to lean Democratic. However, Republican candidates may narrow the gap as more Election Day results are counted. The county typically has a sizable number of mail ballots left to tally by the next morning, which could further impact the outcome.
The vote-counting process in Alameda County usually starts with mail voting results, followed by the inclusion of in-person Election Day votes. This phased release of results can create shifts in the perceived lead of candidates as the night progresses. The AP will declare a winner only when it is determined there is no scenario that would allow a trailing candidate to close the gap.
The Broader Political Context
The boundaries of the 14th Congressional District were redrawn as part of Proposition 50, a statewide ballot measure approved by voters in 2026. While the new map is more favorable to Democrats, the changes to the 14th District were minimal. In the 2026 presidential election, Democratic nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris carried the district with 65.8% of the vote.
The special primary election in California’s 14th District is not just a local event but a microcosm of the broader political dynamics at play. The outcome will have implications for the balance of power in the U.S. House and the future direction of the district. As voters cast their ballots, the nation watches to see how this critical election unfolds.
