California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a special election on August 4 to fill the congressional seat left vacant after the death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa.
The primary for the special election will be held on June 2, the same day as the state’s primary for the November midterm election.
The big picture: If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote in the primary, the top candidates will proceed to the August 4 special election.
- The winner of the special election will serve out the remainder of LaMalfa’s term, which runs through the end of 2026.
- State law gave Newsom up to 200 days after the announcement to set the special election, and he timed it to coincide with the statewide primary.
Driving the news: Doug LaMalfa, who represented California’s large, rural 1st District, died during emergency surgery on January 6.
What we’re watching: Republican Assemblyman James Gallagher, a protégé of LaMalfa, announced his candidacy for the seat and criticized Newsom for allegedly delaying the election.
- Gallagher stated Newsom could have called the special election sooner and accused him of playing politics.
- Democrat Audrey Denney, an educator and nonprofit leader, also announced her candidacy for the special election, as well as for the regular November election.
Zoom in: The 1st Congressional District includes cities such as Yuba City, Chico, Redding, and Susanville.
- The boundaries for the November election will be based on a newly redrawn map, pending court challenges, which could make the district more favorable for Democrats.
