Progressive Aisha Wahab Wins California Seat Despite Pro-Israel Groups' Efforts to Support Moderate Democrat
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State Senator Aisha Wahab, a progressive Democrat, narrowly defeated moderate Melissa Hernandez in California’s 14th congressional district, overcoming substantial support for Hernandez from pro-Israel organizations.
State Senator Aisha Wahab, a self-described progressive, won the special election for California's 14th congressional district, filling the seat left by former Rep. Eric Swalwell. Wahab received just over 42% of the vote, while her opponent, moderate Democrat Melissa Hernandez, received about 17% despite significant backing from outside groups.
Wahab, who would become the first Afghan-American in Congress, stated she would 'fight for this district that raised me,' and claimed the result shows the district 'cannot be bought.' She repeatedly referenced her background, rising from foster care to elected office, as a central theme of her campaign.
The election drew heavy spending from organizations associated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). The United Democracy Project, a super PAC linked to AIPAC, spent nearly $2.5 million to support Hernandez, while BOLD America contributed about $1.9 million, according to reports. Despite these efforts, the progressive candidate prevailed.
Foreign policy was not a major issue in Wahab's campaign, but she has previously co-authored a state resolution condemning Israel's actions in Gaza and labeled the situation there as genocide—a position that aligns with the far left and is likely to concern pro-Israel voters. Hernandez, in contrast, supported Israel's right to self-defense but acknowledged that the destruction in Gaza had gone 'too far.'
Wahab’s win is part of a trend where progressive Democrats, often critical of Israel and American foreign policy, have managed to overcome significant opposition spending. She will face Hernandez again in November for a full term. Representative Ro Khanna, a fellow progressive, congratulated Wahab, noting their shared priorities like Medicare for All, a living wage, and ending U.S. involvement in Iran.