High Desert Perspective

Special election. If confirmed by Congress in May or June, Rep. Tauscher will officially resign her seat in the House, triggering a special election to decide who will serve the rest of her term.  The Constitution mandates that House seats can only be filled by an election, not by an appointment.

Timeline. California state law requires our Governor to call for a special election within 14 days of such a vacancy being created.  A special primary election must take place sometime between 112 days and 126 days from that point.  Should no candidate win a majority of the vote outright in the special primary election, the highest-performing candidate from each party will appear on a special election ballot which will then follow.

District composition. 47% Democrat, 29% Republican, 20% DTS.  Held by Ellen Tauscher since 1996.  Previously held by Bill Baker (R).

Declared or probable Democrat candidates. Lt. Governor John Garamendi.  State Sen. Mark DeSaulnier.  Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan.

Declared or probable Republican candidates. Nicholas Gerber.  Brian Banmiller.  Contra Costa Sheriff Warren Rupf.  Catherine Moy.  Chris Bunch.  Former 49er Brent Jones.  David Harmer, son of Reagan’s Lieutenant Governor, John Harmer.  Buddy Burke, President of Republicans for Environmental Protection–California Chapter.  More candidates may yet emerge.

Special circumstance 2: Democrat Assemblymember Joan Buchanan is also a declared candidate for this seat.  Were she to win, her victory would create a vacancy in the 15th Assembly District.  This would increase the probability of a possible Republican pickup of the seat (previously held by Republican Guy Houston).