Aisha Wahab wins California special election in defiance of AIPAC flood
Democratic state Senator Aisha Wahab narrowly won a special election to fill the Congressional seat vacated by Eric Swalwell in California’s 14th District, with her victory largely attributed to a significant $4.4 million investment from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Wahab secured 53.1% of the vote, defeating AIPAC-backed mayor Melissa Hernandez, who received 46.9%. Wahab’s term in the House will be temporary until January,as she and Hernandez are set to face each other again in the November election for a full two-year term. wahab publicly acknowledged that she considers Israeli actions in Gaza as a genocide, while hernandez called for Israel’s right to defend itself but also expressed concern over the extent of destruction.
AIPAC’s heavy spending in the race drew scrutiny, especially given Wahab’s brief tenure, with some analysts suggesting the election was more about messaging then the seat itself. The loss in California follows mixed results for AIPAC in the 2026 midterm season, including victories in Missouri but losses elsewhere, such as Michigan. The race was also notable for Swalwell’s resignation amid sexual misconduct allegations, prompting an FBI inquiry into his electronic devices.
Democratic state Sen. Aisha Wahab won the special election for former Rep. Eric Swalwell‘s seat in California‘s 14th Congressional District, after the American Israel Public Affairs Committee dumped $4.4 million into the race.
Wahab earned 53.1% of the vote by Thursday evening, according to the Associated Press, after winning the primary by 26 points. Her opponent, AIPAC-backed Democratic mayor Melissa Hernandez, won 46.9% of the vote. The progressive state senator will only serve in the House of Representatives until January with this election victory. Wahab and Hernandez will face off again in the November election for a full two-year term.
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When asked by a moderator in an April debate whether she saw Israeli actions in Gaza as a genocide, Wahab answered “yes.” Hernandez refused to answer yes or no and said “Israel had the right to defend itself.” However, the mayor also said, “The destruction in Gaza has gone too far.”
AIPAC’s large expenditure raised eyebrows, especially considering the limited time Wahab will serve in the seat thanks to this win. However, some analysts view the race as an attempt by AIPAC to send a message, which failed.
“Why spend millions against a candidate who won by 26 points?” progressive political analyst and radio host Thom Hartmann previously told the Washington Examiner. “Because the seat was never the point.”
AIPAC’S $4.4 MILLION GAMBLE ON A CALIFORNIA SPECIAL ELECTION
The defeat follows a mixed record for the Israeli advocacy organization in the 2026 midterm season. The group lost in the Michigan Senate race, where the progressive critic of Israel, Abdul el Sayed, won the election despite AIPAC spending over $30 million to support Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) and oppose el Sayed’s candidacy. However, the organization also scored wins in Missouri, where Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO) defeated progressive former Rep. Cori Bush in the Democratic primary election.
The seat Wahab won was opened when Swalwell resigned from his post due to allegations of sexual misconduct. The FBI seized the former representative’s electronic devices on Thursday, as part of a federal criminal investigation into the allegations.
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