2007 California Elections Code Chapter 2. Vacancy In Senate

CA Codes (elec:10720)

10720.  If a vacancy occurs in the representation of this state in
the Senate of the United States, the Governor may appoint and
commission an elector of this state who possesses the qualifications
for the office to fill the vacancy until his or her successor is
elected and qualifies and is admitted to his or her seat by the
United States Senate.  However, whenever a vacancy occurs within a
term fixed by law to expire on the third day of January following the
next general election, the person so appointed shall hold office for
the remainder of the unexpired term unless the vacancy is filled at
a special election held prior to the general election, in which case
the person elected at the special election shall hold office for the
remainder of the unexpired term.  An election to fill a vacancy in
the term of a United States Senator shall be held at the general
election next succeeding the occurrence of the vacancy or at any
special election.