Rakhi Israni, an Indian American attorney and educator, has officially entered the race for California’s 14th Congressional District special election following the resignation of Eric Swalwell.
Rakhi Israni, an Indian American attorney and founder of a national educational company, has announced her candidacy for the special election to fill the House seat vacated by longtime Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell. Swalwell resigned amid allegations of sexual misconduct, prompting the need for a new representative for California’s 14th Congressional District.
Israni, a Democrat, filed her candidacy just before the April 23 deadline. The district, which includes Hayward, Pleasanton, and a significant portion of Fremont in the East Bay, has been represented by Swalwell for several years. The special election is scheduled for June 16, 2026. If a candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, they will be immediately seated in Congress. If no candidate achieves that threshold, the top two candidates will face off in a runoff election on August 18.
In a competitive field of candidates from diverse professional backgrounds, Israni aims to position herself as a bridge between local grassroots advocacy and federal legislation. If elected, she would make history as the first Indian American woman from California to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Her campaign is centered on advocating for the district’s diverse families, focusing on the rising costs of living and the unique challenges faced by suburban communities in the Bay Area. Following her official filing, Israni is entering an intensive phase of voter engagement, with her team prioritizing local town halls and community outreach to build a coalition of supporters.
Israni’s professional journey is deeply rooted in her heritage and early career in India. Before establishing herself as a legal and educational leader in the United States, she worked on legal and compliance matters for the Dabhol Power project in India. She holds a Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Houston and a Master of Laws (LLM) from Columbia Law School. These experiences, along with her upbringing, have positioned her as a prominent voice within the South Asian diaspora, where she advocates for increased civic participation and minority representation in federal policy.
As the president of Excel Test Prep, Israni has dedicated over two decades to promoting educational equity. Her campaign messaging emphasizes the importance of small business stability and transparent governance, reflecting her dual perspective as a local business owner and a mother of four.
In addition to her work in education, Israni is a recognized leader in the nonprofit sector. She serves as the Vice President of Government and Public Relations for Sewa International USA, where she plays a key role in managing a national network of thousands of volunteers dedicated to community service and disaster relief.
As the special election approaches, Israni’s campaign is gaining momentum, and her commitment to advocating for her community is evident. With a focus on the needs of her constituents and a strong background in law and education, she aims to make a significant impact in Washington, D.C.
Her candidacy reflects a growing trend of increased representation for minority communities in U.S. politics, and her potential election could serve as a pivotal moment for the Indian American community in California.
According to The American Bazaar, Israni’s campaign will continue to engage with voters as the election date approaches, emphasizing her dedication to serving the needs of the 14th District.