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Rakhi Israni files for CD14 special election, signs unity pledge
The move comes amid concerns a crowded Democratic field could split the vote and leave the seat vacant.
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Malvika Choudhary - Thu, 23, Apr 2026
- 13:42 EDT
- 18
Rakhi Israni / Courtesy: LinkedIn
Rakhi Israni, a Democratic candidate in the primary for California’s 14th Congressional District, on April 23 filed to run in the special election following the resignation of Eric Swalwell.
She also signed a joint statement urging Democratic unity to protect votes in Congress.
Also Read: Immigrant roots power Israni’s bid, earns key Milpitas backing
The special election, triggered by Swalwell’s resignation, is scheduled for June 16 to fill the seat for the remainder of 2026. If no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, a runoff between the top two candidates will be held on August 18, with the winner seated when Congress reconvenes in the fall.
Israni, an attorney and community advocate, said she would be willing to step aside in the special election if all Democratic candidates agree to consolidate behind a single candidate as part of a coordinated strategy ahead of the general midterm election.
“This moment demands leadership,” Israni said, calling for Democrats to avoid splitting the vote and to act “strategic, disciplined, and united.”
The regularly scheduled election for a full term beginning Jan. 3, 2027, will proceed with a June 2 primary, where the top two primary finishers will advance to the Nov; 3 general election.
In a joint statement, Democratic candidates and potential candidates for California’s 14th Congressional District warned that a crowded field could prevent any candidate from securing a majority, potentially leaving the seat vacant during a period of tight legislative margins in the House.
The statement highlighted recent votes decided by narrow margins, including legislation that failed by a single vote and other measures passed by two votes, underscoring the impact of even one vacant Democratic seat.
Signatories urged Democrats to unite behind Bob Wieckowski as a consensus candidate for the special election, describing him as an experienced, temporary steward who would not run in the general election.
“We ask that all Democratic candidates rally behind a sole Democratic candidate,” the statement said.
Israni said her decision is contingent on mutual agreement among all Democratic candidates. “This pledge only works if we all act in good faith,” she said.
She added that the effort is aimed at “protecting our votes” and ensuring Democrats enter the general election in a stronger position.
Israni’s campaign platform includes proposals such as term limits, banning stock trading by members of Congress, and setting mandatory retirement age limits for elected officials.
The campaign has received endorsements from elected officials and community leaders, including Raja Krishnamoorthi, Jeff Rosen, Pete Dailey, Liang Chao, John Morada, Murali Srinivasan, Yang Shao, Richa Awasthi, Kathy Watanabe, Manisha Pathak, Vivek Prasad, Diana Ding, and Henry Liang.
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