California lawmaker overcomes pro-Israel spending to win special election

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Updated 10h ago

Key Topics & People

Aisha Wahab *Melissa Hernandez Eric Swalwell special election California

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Human Interest(1)

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Aug 22, 2026

1 articles|1 sources

special electionprogressive candidatepro-israel spendingaisha wahabgaza war

Social Justice(1)

Al Jazeera10h ago

California lawmaker overcomes pro-Israel spending to win special election

California State Senator Aisha Wahab won a special election for the 14th congressional district, defeating moderate Democrat Melissa Hernandez. The victory marks a trend of progressive candidates overcoming significant outside spending, in this case, nearly $4.4 million from pro-Israel groups like AIPAC's United Democracy Project and BOLD America. Wahab, who has expressed views critical of Israel's actions in Gaza, will serve the remainder of former Congressman Eric Swalwell's term. Her campaign emphasized her commitment to the district and overcoming challenges, highlighting her journey from foster care. Wahab is set to become the first Afghan American member of Congress. She will face Hernandez again in the November general election for a full term.

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Key Claims

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State Senator Aisha Wahab won a special election to fill the seat of former US Congressman Eric Swalwell.

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Wahab overcame millions in outside spending from pro-Israel groups, specifically the United Democracy Project affiliated with AIPAC.

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Wahab is set to become the first Afghan American member of the US Congress.

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Wahab co-authored a state resolution denouncing the 'horrific humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza' and calling for an end to the war.

— Aisha Wahab

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The United Democracy Project spent nearly $2.5m since early August to boost rival Melissa Hernandez.

— media reports

Aug 21, 2026

3 articles|2 sources

special electionaisha wahaberic swalwellcalifornia special electioncongress

Political Strategy(2)

Associated Press (AP)Yesterday

California lawmaker Aisha Wahab wins special election to succeed Eric Swalwell in Congress

State Sen. Aisha Wahab has won a special election to serve the remainder of former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s term in California's 14th Congressional District, which ends in January. Swalwell resigned in April after facing accusations of sexual assault and harassment, which he denies. Wahab, a Democrat, defeated Bay Area Rapid Transit Director Melissa Hernandez. This victory makes Wahab the first Afghan American to serve in Congress. She has previously championed housing affordability and authored a bill to ban caste-based discrimination. Wahab and Hernandez will compete again in November for the full two-year term.

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The Guardian - World NewsYesterday

Democrat Aisha Wahab wins California special election to fill Eric Swalwell’s US House seat

Progressive Democrat Aisha Wahab has won a special election in California's East Bay to fill the US House seat vacated by Eric Swalwell, who resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations. Wahab, a state senator, was the frontrunner with endorsements from the state Democratic party and other prominent figures. Despite a significant lead early on, the race tightened considerably due to substantial spending by Super PACs linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) supporting her opponent, Hernandez. Wahab, who has faced attack ads she described as election interference, ultimately secured victory.

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Human Interest(1)

The Guardian - World News23h ago

Democrats rally behind progressive Aisha Wahab after win in California special election – US politics live

Aisha Wahab has won a special election in California, becoming the first Muslim woman and Afghan American elected to the state legislature. Meanwhile, voting rights experts express skepticism about the Trump administration's pledge to deploy 1,000 monitors for the upcoming midterm elections, questioning their effectiveness and number. Separately, Michael Cohen praised President Trump on a radio show, and questions arose about White House aide Natalie Harp's access to government secrets. The Navy is reportedly considering renaming an aircraft carrier, the USS Doris Miller, to the USS Donald Trump. Additionally, the Cook Political Report has reclassified Senate races in Texas and Iowa as toss-ups.

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Key Claims

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Aisha Wahab, the first Muslim woman and Afghan American, was elected to the California legislature.

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Justin Levitt, a professor at Loyola Law School, expressed skepticism about the Trump administration's pledge to dispatch 1,000 monitors for US midterm elections.

— Justin Levitt

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The Cook Political Report updated its midterm election forecast, rating US Senate races in Texas and Iowa as toss-ups.

— The Cook Political Report

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California state Sen. Aisha Wahab won a special election to serve out the rest of former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s term.

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Wahab will represent California’s 14th Congressional District through January.

Aug 18, 2026

1 articles|1 sources

special electioncaliforniademocratic partyproxy fightjungle primary

Political Strategy(1)

Al Jazeera4d ago

What to know about California’s special election to replace Eric Swalwell

California voters in the 14th Congressional District are participating in a special election to replace former Representative Eric Swalwell. State Senator Aisha Wahab and local transit official Melissa Hernandez are the two Democrats facing off. The race, which advanced to a runoff due to California's jungle primary system, has become unexpectedly expensive and contentious. Millions of dollars in outside spending, particularly from groups affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), have targeted Wahab's candidacy and supported Hernandez. This influx of funding has transformed a previously low-profile election into a proxy battle within the Democratic Party. Polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm local time.

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Key Claims

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California's 14th Congressional District voters are choosing a Democrat to replace Eric Swalwell.

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State Senator Aisha Wahab and local transit official Melissa Hernandez are facing off in the special election.

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Super PACs, including some affiliated with AIPAC, have spent millions to oppose Wahab and support Hernandez.

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The United Democracy Project spent $1.2m in August on the race, according to FEC records.

— Federal Election Commission records

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Eric Swalwell resigned in April following multiple allegations of sexual assault, which he has denied.

Aug 17, 2026

1 articles|1 sources

special congressional electioncalifornia's 14th congressional districtdemocratic controlaisha wahabmelissa hernandez

Political Strategy(1)

Associated Press (AP)5d ago

AP Decision Notes: What to expect in California’s special congressional election

California's 14th Congressional District is holding a special election Tuesday to replace former U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell. The race features two Democrats, State Sen. Aisha Wahab and BART Board President Melissa Hernandez, ensuring the seat remains under Democratic control. Wahab won the special primary and has consistently led Hernandez in vote percentage, though Hernandez has outspent her significantly. Outside groups, particularly those affiliated with AIPAC, have heavily funded Hernandez's campaign, spending millions in support of her and against Wahab. The election will determine who serves out the remainder of Swalwell's term under current district boundaries, with both candidates also competing for a full term in a slightly redrawn district starting in 2027.

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Key Claims

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California's 14th Congressional District seat is guaranteed to remain under Democratic control.

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State Sen. Aisha Wahab and BART Board President Melissa Hernandez are the finalists in the special election.

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United Democracy Project, backed by AIPAC, spent $1.2 million in August to support Hernandez and oppose Wahab.

— Federal Election Commission records

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Bold America, funded by United Democracy Project, spent about $1.7 million since the special primary to support Hernandez and oppose Wahab.

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Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress amid sexual assault allegations.