California lawmaker overcomes pro-Israel spending to win special election

California state Senator Aisha Wahab has secured a decisive victory in a special election to fill the vacant seat left by former U.S. Congressman Eric Swalwell, who resigned in April amid allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denied. The results were confirmed by U.S. media projections on Thursday, showing Wahab, a progressive Democrat, defeating her opponent, moderate Democrat Melissa Hernandez. Wahab will serve the remainder of Swalwell's term, which concludes in January, representing California’s 14th congressional district, covering parts of the southeastern San Francisco Bay Area. The race drew national attention due to the intense financial backing from pro-Israel advocacy groups, which poured millions into supporting Hernandez in the final weeks of the campaign. Despite these efforts, Wahab emerged victorious, highlighting the growing resistance among voters to external influences in local elections. In a statement, Wahab emphasized her commitment to the district that raised her, stating that her win proved the area could not be swayed by outside money. “From foster care to Congress, this journey shows the possibility of the American Dream,” she said. Wahab, who is set to become the first Afghan-American member of the U.S. Congress, has long been a vocal advocate for economic and social justice in California’s state legislature. Her political career has included co-authoring a state resolution condemning the “horrific humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza” and calling for an end to the ongoing conflict there. During a candidate forum in April, she affirmed her belief that the situation facing Palestinians constitutes a genocide, a stance that contrasted with Hernandez’s more cautious response, which acknowledged the need for Israel to defend itself but suggested the destruction in Gaza had gone too far. Wahab’s path to the special election was marked by a strong performance in the June primary, where she received over 42% of the vote compared to Hernandez’s 17%. However, the race became increasingly competitive after pro-Israel organizations began pouring resources into her campaign. The United Democracy Project, a super PAC linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), spent nearly $2.5 million since early August to support Hernandez. Another group, BOLD America, which also receives funding from AIPAC, spent approximately $1.9 million. These expenditures were part of a broader trend in which pro-Israel lobbying groups have attempted to influence electoral outcomes nationwide. However, their efforts have encountered notable challenges, particularly in the 2026 midterm elections, where progressive candidates have successfully resisted such pressures. For example, Michigan Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed defied similar spending campaigns to advance to the general election. Despite the substantial financial support for Hernandez, some of the advertisements run by pro-Israel groups did not explicitly reference Israel or frame the issue as central to the race. One ad targeting Wahab falsely claimed she had weakened laws against the sex trafficking of minors. In response, Wahab released a video clarifying that she had strengthened protections, making it illegal and a felony to traffic or solicit minors. She described the advertising as “$5 million of lies.” Throughout her tenure in the California state legislature, Wahab has focused on pressing domestic issues such as housing affordability and has introduced legislation aimed at banning caste-based discrimination. Although her bill was ultimately vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom, her legislative record underscores her dedication to addressing systemic inequities within the state. With her victory in the special election, Wahab faces a rematch against Hernandez in November, when both candidates will vie for the opportunity to represent California’s 14th congressional district in the upcoming general election.