The freshman Democrat announced her resignation on Sunday after a conservative website published intimate photos of her and allegations that she had inappropriate relationships with a congressional staffer and a campaign aide.
Hill, 32, describes the scandal as politically motivated, blaming her husband, Kenny Heslep, as they go through a bitter divorce.
"It is with a broken heart that today I announce my resignation from Congress. This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but I believe it is the best thing for my constituents, my community, and our country."
It is with a broken heart that today I announce my resignation from Congress. This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but I believe it is the best thing for my constituents, my community, and our country.
— Rep. Katie Hill (@RepKatieHill) October 27, 2019
See my official statement below. pic.twitter.com/nG97RQIwvO
Several candidates were quick to announce they were looking at running for her seat. Hill was representing the 25th congressional district, encompassing parts of northern Los Angeles County and eastern Ventura County.
Among potential candidates was Steve Knight, the former Republican incumbent ousted by Hill in 2018.
Not long after Hill's announcement Sunday, Knight posted to Facebook: "After serving my community and country for nearly three decades, I will always answer the call when needed. At this point, we are entering uncharted waters. I am looking to run and am thankful for all the calls encouraging me to return to Congress."
Also eyeing the seat is Assemblywoman Christy Smith.
I would like to commend Congresswoman @KatieHill4CA for her service on behalf of #CA25 as well as her willingness to put country first by stepping down from office. After much encouragement from community members, today I am proud to announce that I am running for Congress pic.twitter.com/p0Gl6jwc76
— Christy Smith (@ChristyforCA25) October 28, 2019
Other potential candidates include Lancaster City Councilwoman Angela Underwood Jacobs, Navy veteran Mike Garcia of Valencia and David Rudnick, a business owner and real estate investor from Lancaster.
It's not immediately clear when Hill's resignation would take effect. Once it does, Gov. Gavin Newsom can then choose a date for a special election to fill the seat, possibly to coincide with the state's March 3, 2020 election.
The House ethics committee has launched an investigation into whether Hill had an inappropriate relationship with an aide in her congressional office, which is prohibited under House rules. It's not known whether that investigation will continue once Hill steps down.
