Dems Attempt to Clear CA14 Special Election Field
Poll shows Aisha Wahab with large lead in CA14 primary, but many still undecided; CA14 special election field forms; Flock cameras debate returns to Board of Supes; Dublin has another large surplus
☕️MORNING BUZZ
Vol. VI, No. 1,249
—Since Gov. Gavin Newsom called a quick special election following the resignation of Eric Swalwell in the 14th Congressional District, Democratic leaders at the state and federal levels have been working behind the scenes to narrow the field.
Party leaders are wary of losing a vote in a closely divided Congress, particularly with major legislation expected later this year.
The special primary is scheduled for June 16. If a candidate wins a simple majority, they will serve the remainder of Swalwell’s term through December.
Meanwhile, the regularly scheduled primary on June 2 will determine who advances to the November general election, where the winner will secure a full two-year term.
—Efforts to consolidate the field have so far fallen short.
As of Sunday, 10 candidates have filed for the special election, including four who are also running in the regular primary.
Former state Sen. Steve Glazer, who previously considered a run in the regular primary, has pulled papers for the special election.
However, sources say he is not the preferred “placeholder” candidate.
—Local Democrats have also paused the party’s endorsement process—from last Friday through Tuesday—to give leaders more time to persuade candidates to step aside.
The filing deadline for the special primary is Thursday, April 23.
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—More inside:
ELECTION 2026: Ten candidates have filed to run in CA14 special primary election.
CA14 special primary election candidate list includes Steve Glazer.
CA14 internal polling shows Wahab with big lead, but many still undecided.
COUNTY NEWS: Haubert misspells ‘Science’ on oversized check, but photo raises campaign ethics questions.
Alameda County to decide fate of Flock surveillance cameras after privacy concerns stalled vote.
CITY NEWS: Dublin projects near-term surpluses despite long-term deficit outlook.
San Leandro proposes $2.2M loan to launch rent program ahead of 2027 revenue.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE: Form 497 large campaign contributions filed on April 17-19.
🎙️EAST BAY INSIDERS PODCAST
—EPISODE 130—Eric Swalwell’s political career has come to an abrupt and stunning end—but for some, the warning signs were there all along.
—In this episode, former Pete Stark staffer Jason Teramoto revisits the 2012 congressional campaign that launched Swalwell’s rise, sharing behind-the-scenes insights and allegations that, he says, were known at the time but largely ignored.
—From documented concerns during the campaign to a bizarre MTV Spring Break prank, Teramoto argues the recent, shocking allegations didn’t come out of nowhere.
—Instead, he points to a deeper, more troubling pattern: a political ecosystem where insiders “knew,” but power, ambition, and expediency allowed Swalwell’s ascent to continue unchecked.
