California Senate Member Aisha Wahab Wins Congressional Race Over IAPAC-Backed Opponent

Aisha Wahab, a California state senator, officially won the congressional election in the state's 14th district, defeating moderate Melissa Hernandez with 53% of the vote to Hernandez's 47%. Hernandez had received over $2.5 million in support from the pro-Israel lobbying group IAPAC, which significantly narrowed the gap but could not prevent her defeat. Wahab will become the first Afghan-American woman in the U.S. House of Representatives. Her positions on Israel have raised concerns within parts of the Jewish community, as she has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and supports ending U.S. military aid to Israel. However, Wahab emphasizes her recognition of Israel's right to exist and her opposition to antisemitism. She has received backing from the liberal pro-Israel group J Street.