Rep. Harman to stay until Feb. 28

Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif.) has delayed her departure from Congress until Feb. 28, at the request of California Gov. Jerry Brown (D).

Harman said last week she would leave Congress on Tuesday to join the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. But she has agreed to serve for another two weeks. 

“She was planning on leaving today, but at the request of the governor, she is delaying her departure until the 28th,” Harman’s office said. The request was made to give Brown more flexibility to call a special election.

The governor will have 14 calendar days from the date of the vacancy to schedule a vote, which must be held 112 to 126 days later, according to the California Secretary of State’s office. A primary would be held eight Tuesdays before the special election vote.

Brown’s office is expected to release a statement on the matter later on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, two Democrats have entered the lists to vie to succeed Harman in representing the state’s 36th Congressional district, which includes part of Los Angleles County. Los Angeles Councilwoman Janice Hahn has declared her intention to seek the nomination, and has chalked up several high-profile endorsements, including one from Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.). California Secretary of State Debra Bowen on Tuesday became the second Democrat to enter the race.