Kathmandu— California state Senator Aisha Wahab has won a special election to represent California’s 14th congressional district, defeating moderate Democrat Melissa Hernandez despite a significant influx of funding supporting her opponent. The victory marks the latest instance of a progressive candidate overcoming substantial outside spending in US elections, particularly from pro-Israel groups who deployed nearly $4.4 million in attack advertising during the final weeks of the race. Wahab will serve the remainder of former Congressman Eric Swalwell’s term, which ends in January, and is set to become the first Afghan American member of the US Congress.

Campaign Finance and Attack Ads

The special election was heavily influenced by spending from pro-Israel groups. The United Democracy Project, a super PAC affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), spent nearly $2.5 million since early August to support Hernandez, while BOLD America, another AIPAC-funded group, contributed an additional $1.9 million. Some of this spending was directed towards advertisements that did not explicitly mention Israel, instead focusing on misleading claims about Wahab’s record, such as allegations she had weakened laws against sex trafficking of minors. Wahab responded by releasing a video refuting the claims and calling the advertising “$5m of lies.”

Foreign Policy Positions

While foreign policy was not central to her campaign, Wahab has publicly expressed views critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Last year, she co-authored a state resolution denouncing the humanitarian situation in Gaza and calling for an end to the war. At a candidate forum in April, she affirmed that what was happening to Palestinians could be considered genocide, contrasting with Hernandez who stated Israel had a right to defend itself but acknowledged the destruction in Gaza had gone “too far.” This stance reflects a growing shift in public opinion, as evidenced by an Associated Press poll from July which found roughly one-third of US adults believe Israel has committed genocide in Gaza.

Wahab’s Background and Legislative Focus

Wahab brings a unique background to Congress, having experienced foster care herself. She is a longtime advocate for economic and social justice issues within the California state legislature. During her time as a state senator, she focused on housing affordability and authored a bill that would have banned caste-based discrimination – though it was ultimately vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Her victory signals a potential shift in representation for California’s 14th district, which includes parts of the San Francisco Bay Area.

November Rematch Looms

Wahab will face Hernandez again in November, as both women compete for a full two-year term representing California’s 14th congressional district. Progressive Representative Ro Khanna congratulated Wahab on her win and expressed eagerness to collaborate with her on issues such as Medicare for All, a living wage, and ending the war in Iran.

The outcome of November's election will determine who ultimately represents California’s 14th district for a full term, but Wahab’s victory in this special election demonstrates the growing influence of progressive candidates despite significant financial opposition.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.