- Aisha Wahab won the special election to replace Eric Swalwell, representing California’s 14th congressional district for the remainder of Swalwell’s term, which ends in January.
- Wahab won June’s primary with more than 42 percent of the vote to Hernandez’s 17, and she will face Hernandez again in November for a full two-year term.
- The race tested the influence of the pro-Israel lobby, with groups like the United Democracy Project and BOLD America spending millions to boost Hernandez.
- Wahab has been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza, co-authoring a state resolution denouncing the “horrific humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza” and answering “yes” when asked if she believed what was happening constituted a genocide.
- Wahab said her victory shows that her district “cannot be bought” and that her journey “from foster care to Congress” shows the possibility of the American Dream.
Aisha Wahab, a California state senator, has emerged victorious in a special election to represent California's 14th congressional district, succeeding Eric Swalwell, who resigned amid controversy. Wahab's win is significant as she becomes the first Afghan American in Congress, overcoming nearly $4.4 million in spending from pro-Israel groups aimed at supporting her opponent, Melissa Hernandez.1
Wahab's campaign was bolstered by her progressive platform and strong community ties. "I will fight for this district that raised me," she stated, emphasizing her commitment to her constituents. Her victory is seen as a rejection of the influence of the pro-Israel lobby in U.S. politics, particularly in light of her outspoken views on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.456
The special election was necessitated by Swalwell's resignation in April following allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denied. Wahab previously co-authored a resolution condemning the humanitarian situation in Gaza and has publicly supported the Palestinian cause, stating that the events there could be classified as genocide.
Wahab won the primary election in June decisively, securing over 42 percent of the vote compared to Hernandez's 17 percent. She will face Hernandez again in November for a full two-year term, making this race a critical test of the evolving political landscape in California's 14th district.23
“Wahab, who will serve the remainder of Swalwell's term ending in January, said her victory shows her district 'cannot be bought' and her journey 'from foster care to Congress' reflects the American Dream. She faces Hernandez again in November for a full two-year term.”
