Democrat Aisha Wahab advances in California special election to replace former US Rep. Eric Swalwell

She said the race is not about “replacing” Swalwell but rather ensuring voters having a representative who is “not necessarily working for any other reason but to make their lives better.”

Also among the 11 names on the ballot was fellow Democrat Melissa Hernandez, a Bay Area Rapid Transit director and former mayor of the East Bay city of Dublin.

She and Wahab represent different wings of the party that have been battling in numerous states this primary season. The more progressive Wahab proposed combating high costs by expanding the social safety net and taking on “corporate profiteering.” Hernandez, considered more moderate, emphasized job growth and supporting small businesses.

Others in the race were Democratic businessperson Rakhi Israni Singh and Republicans Wendy Huang, a real estate investor, and Dena Maldonado, who runs a small flower business.

It was too early to determine who would take the second slot in the Aug. 18 election.

Separate from the special election, a regular primary was held June 2 for a full term in the seat beginning in January, with many of the same candidates who were on Tuesday’s ballot.

Wahab and Hernandez were the top two vote-getters June 2 and advanced to the general election in November. If one of them comes out on top in the special election, their hope is that serving in the office for a few months this summer and fall could provide a boost in visibility and some job experience they can tout as they campaign for the full term.

Swalwell held the seat for seven terms before resigning in April — and also dropping out of this year’s governor’s race — after the San Francisco Chronicle reported allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman twice, including when she worked for him.

CNN later reported that other women accused him of sending inappropriate messages and nude photos.

Swalwell has repeatedly denied the accusations, but he said it would be unfair to his constituents to remain in Congress.

Jesse Bedayn, The Associated Press

by The Canadian Press

Democrat Aisha Wahab advances in California special election to replace former US Rep. Eric Swalwell

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