Progressive state Sen. Aisha Wahab wins California special election for Swalwell's seat

Published Aug 21, 06:24 AM UTC

California state Sen. Aisha Wahab, a progressive Democrat, won the August 2026 special election to succeed former Rep. Eric Swalwell in California's 14th Congressional District, defeating moderate Democrat Melissa Hernandez 53% to 47%. The race tightened after outside groups, including AIPAC's super PAC, spent millions backing Hernandez. Wahab, daughter of Afghan refugees and a former foster child, had endorsements from the California Democratic Party and progressive leaders like Reps. Greg Casar and Pramila Jayapal. She will serve the remainder of Swalwell's term, which ends in January, and will face Hernandez again in November for a full term under a new district map. Swalwell resigned in April amid sexual misconduct allegations, which he denies.