ANAHEIM, Calif. — The deadline to apply for the vacant District 2 seat on the Anaheim City Council is Wednesday, Sept. 8.

The city is looking to fill the vacant seat after former City Councilman Jordan Brandman resigned amid public pressure for sending vulgar and offensive text messages about a former female city council colleague to a resident last year.

Brandman apologized to former city council colleague Denise Barnes but ultimately resigned from the position.

Brandman, a Democrat who was elected for a second stint on the council in 2018, stepped down in August. He previously served as an Anaheim City Councilman from 2012 to 2016.

According to the city charter, in the event of a vacancy, the city council must appoint a replacement council member within 60 days or by Oct. 4. If the city council cannot agree on a candidate, the charter calls for a special election. The cost to hold a special election is $200,000, Anaheim Spokesman Mike Lyster told Spectrum News.

The city plans to review the applications at a city council meeting on Tues. Sept. 14. Candidates are encouraged to attend the meeting and speak on their behalf during the session.

If the council, by a majority vote, appoints a representative, that person will serve the remainder of Brandman's term, which ends in November 2022. City officials said that the designated representative would also have the option of running for election to represent District 2 through 2026. 

To qualify, an applicant must live in District 2, west Anaheim, be 18 years or older, be a registered voter, and not currently serving a felony conviction.

According to the Orange County Register, Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu said he would interview potential candidates and encourage other city council members to do the same.

City officials said the applicants would be asked about their professional and educational experience, years living in and or working in Anaheim, background in city or county government boards, and other community involvement.