Progressive Wahab Emerges as Front-Runner to Replace Swalwell in CA-14 Runoff

In Alameda County, voters are choosing who will replace disgraced ex-congressman Eric Swalwell in California’s 14th District. With about 80% of ballots tallied, Democrat Aisha Wahab leads the top-two primary with 42.6% and is likely headed to a runoff unless she clears 50%. Her main rivals—Melissa Hernandez (16.8%) and Rakhi Israni Singh (13.3%)—are also Democrats. Wahab, a progressive often compared to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is seen as the front-runner in a deep-blue East Bay. Swalwell’s gubernatorial bid collapsed amid rape and sexual assault allegations and investigations into his campaign spending, which contributed to his resignation from Congress.