Newsom Delays Special Election on GOP House Seat Until August

Jan. 16, 2026, 11:15 PM UTC

California Gov. Gavin Newsom will delay a special election until August to fill a vacant House seat that favors a Republican, creating more complications for House GOP leaders operating with a slender majority.

Newsom (D) on Friday issued a proclamation setting a June 2 special primary in the 1st District formerly held by Doug LaMalfa (R), who died Jan. 6. All candidates will run on one ballot and if no one wins a majority of votes, the top two finishers will compete in an Aug. 4 special general election.

Newsom could have scheduled a March special primary and June special ...

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