Wahab wins special election for Swalwell's seat amid AIPAC spending and party feud

Key points

• Aisha Wahab won the special election for California's 14th Congressional District, defeating Melissa Hernandez to fill the seat vacated by Eric Swalwell.
• The race was marked by a bitter feud between Wahab and Rep. Zoe Lofgren, who supported Hernandez.
• AIPAC-aligned groups spent nearly $2.5 million against Wahab, while other groups spent over $6 million in total outside spending.
• Wahab won the June primary by 26 points, but neither candidate won a majority, leading to a runoff.
• The winner of the special election will serve until January, with a full term election in November.

Background

Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress in the spring of 2026 amid allegations of sexual assault, leaving a vacancy in California's 14th Congressional District. The district includes East Bay cities such as Fremont, Hayward, and Livermore. The race to fill the seat became a proxy battle between populist progressives and establishment Democrats, with more than $6 million in outside money pouring in, largely to oppose Wahab or boost Hernandez.

How outlets are covering it

Politico emphasized the feud between Wahab and Rep. Zoe Lofgren, noting that Lofgren released a video outlining why she supported Hernandez. The Washington Post highlighted the role of AIPAC, noting that its super PAC spent nearly $2.5 million against Wahab. NBC Bay Area provided the election results, showing Wahab winning with 51.7% of the vote. The outlets disagreed on the extent of AIPAC's involvement, with Politico suggesting Lofgren coordinated with AIPAC, while Lofgren denied any coordination. Wahab alleged she was targeted due to 'prejudice and racism,' while Hernandez stated that none of her donors 'sets my agenda.'

Why it matters

The special election result will determine who represents California's 14th Congressional District until January, with a full term election in November. The race highlighted the growing divide between progressive and establishment Democrats, as well as the influence of outside spending in congressional races. Wahab's victory may signal a shift in the Democratic Party's stance on Israel and Gaza, as she has condemned the war as a genocide and opposed military aid to Israel.

What to watch

The winner of the special election will serve until January, with a full term election in November. Wahab and Hernandez will face off again in November for a full two-year term. The results are expected to be certified on September 25.