Progressive Democrat defeats Melissa Hernandez despite millions in outside spending, securing historic representation for Afghan Americans on Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON: California state Senator Aisha Wahab has won a special congressional election, becoming the first Afghan American elected to the US Congress.

Wahab, a Democrat associated with the party’s progressive wing, defeated fellow Democrat Melissa Hernandez in California’s 14th Congressional District. Officials formally announced the result on Thursday.

Although Wahab entered the contest as the favourite after finishing more than 25 percentage points ahead of Hernandez in June’s primary, the special election proved considerably closer. With most ballots counted, Wahab held an advantage of approximately six percentage points.

Outside Spending Tightens Congressional Contest

Outside political spending played a significant role in the race. Groups associated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee reportedly spent around $6.3 million to $6.4 million on advertising supporting Hernandez and opposing Wahab.

Consequently, what initially appeared likely to become a comfortable victory developed into a closely contested election.

Wahab will serve the remaining months of former Representative Eric Swalwell’s term. Swalwell resigned in April after facing sexual misconduct allegations, which he denied.

However, Wahab and Hernandez will compete again in November for a full two-year congressional term.

From Foster Care to Capitol Hill

Born in Queens, New York, to Afghan refugees, Wahab experienced considerable hardship during childhood. Her father was murdered, while her mother died shortly afterward, leaving Wahab and her sister in foster care before an Afghan couple adopted them in Fremont, California.

Wahab later studied political science at San Jose State University and earned a doctorate in social work from the University of Southern California.

In 2022, voters elected her to the California State Senate, making her the chamber’s first Muslim and Afghan American member.

Meanwhile, Wahab has criticised Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, supported Palestinian rights and called for ending US weapons assistance to Israel.

Following her victory, Wahab pledged to represent the district that raised her, describing her journey “from foster care to Congress” as an example of the American Dream.