a special election to fill the 32nd congressional district was called by governor schwarzenegger on march 10, 2009 as a consequence of the resignation of former congresswoman hilda solis following her appointment as united states secretary of labor. the special primary election was may 19, 2009 while the special election was held on july 14, 2009. the election was won by democrat judy chu, who became the first chinese american woman elected to serve in congress.