Democrat Aisha Wahab wins the special election for Eric Swalwell’s seat

Swalwell resigned from Congress in April over sexual misconduct allegations. He also suspended his gubernatorial campaign over the allegations.

By Misty Severi

Published: August 20, 2026 7:37pm

Democratic California state Sen. Aisha Wahab won a special election Thursday night to replace former Rep. Eric Swalwell in the United States' House of Representatives and will serve out the remainder of his term.

Swalwell resigned from Congress in April over sexual misconduct allegations. He also suspended his gubernatorial campaign over the allegations.

Wahab defeated Bay Area Rapid Transit Director Melissa Hernandez in the special election for the state’s 14th Congressional District, according to the Associated Press.

The district covers parts of Alameda County on the eastern side of the San Francisco Bay.

Wahab, who advanced to the special election alongside fellow Democrat Hernandez in June, will serve through at least January and then face Hernandez again in November for the full term.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.