AI Generated Image

Democrat Aisha Wahab wins California special election to fill Eric Swalwell’s US House seat

The Guardian • August 20, 2026 • general

Key Points:

Progressive candidate Aisha Wahab won a special election to Congress in California’s East Bay, succeeding Eric Swalwell who resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations he denies.
Wahab, a state senator with strong backing from the state Democratic party, labor unions, and officials, led the primary by over 20 points and maintained a lead despite a closer-than-expected race.
Hernandez, Wahab’s opponent and Bay Area Rapid Transit board president, received substantial financial support from Aipac-linked Super PACs, which spent over $6 million on the race.
Wahab criticized the influx of Super PAC money as election interference and accused them of misrepresenting her record through attack ads.
The race was further complicated by an endorsement of Hernandez from Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, citing Wahab’s opposition to quickly installing a caretaker candidate for Swalwell’s seat.

Trending Business