Overview
- The governor’s timing lands on the latest date allowed under California’s 200‑day special‑election window.
- The winner will serve the remainder of the term through January 2027.
- The contest will use current district lines, while the regular 2026 cycle is slated to run on Proposition 50’s new map pending court challenges.
- A June 2 special primary is expected, and state law allows an outright win if a candidate tops 50 percent, which could seat a member sooner than August.
- Republican Assemblymember James Gallagher is running with support from Jill LaMalfa and California’s House GOP delegation, as the GOP’s House edge stands at 218–213.