California lawmaker Wahab wins special election, overcoming pro-Israel ads

California state Senator Aisha Wahab has secured victory in a special election for the 14th congressional district, a seat previously held by Eric Swalwell. Wahab, a progressive candidate, overcame a substantial advertising campaign funded by pro-Israel groups in the closing weeks of the race. US media outlets projected her win over rival Melissa Hernandez, a moderate Democrat.

“

I will fight for this district that raised me.

Wahab, who will serve the remainder of Swalwell's term ending in January, stated her commitment to the district that "raised me." She emphasized that her victory demonstrates the district "cannot be bought" and serves as a testament to the "possibility of the American Dream," highlighting her own journey from foster care to Congress.

This election marks a significant moment as Wahab is poised to become the first Afghan American in the US Congress. The special election was necessitated by Swalwell's resignation in April. The race also served as a recent test for the influence of the pro-Israel lobby in US politics, a landscape where support for Israel has seen a notable decline amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

“

my district “cannot be bought”.

Wahab has previously voiced concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, co-authoring a state resolution condemning the "horrific humanitarian catastrophe" and calling for an end to the war. She also affirmed that the situation in Gaza constituted genocide at a candidate forum. Hernandez, in contrast, did not offer a direct answer on the genocide question, stating only that the destruction in Gaza had "gone too far."

“

From foster care to Congress, this journey shows the possibility of the American Dream.

Despite Wahab's decisive win in the June primary, the race tightened considerably after the United Democracy Project, a super PAC linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), reportedly spent nearly $2.5 million to support Hernandez. Another AIPAC-funded group, BOLD America, also contributed $1.9 million. These efforts by pro-Israel groups to influence elections have faced several setbacks in recent high-profile races across the country.

“

horrific humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza