Democrat Aisha Wahab wins the special election for Eric Swalwell’s former California district
Democrat Aisha Wahab won a special election for California's 14th District, succeeding Eric Swalwell. The race was heavily influenced by spending from pro-Israel PACs, highlighting the ongoing debate over the influence of external funding in Democratic primaries.
Why it matters
The election underscores the significant role of super PACs in shaping political outcomes and the internal party divisions regarding foreign policy.
Democratic state Sen. Aisha Wahab has won the special election in California’s 14th District, NBC News projects, and will serve out the remaining months of former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s term. Swalwell resigned from Congress in April amid allegations of sexual assault, which he has denied. Wahab defeated Melissa Hernandez, a fellow Democrat who is on the Bay Area Rapid Transit board of directors, in the special election after the two got the most votes in the June 16 primary. The race moved to a one-on-one contest after no one secured a majority. Wahab took 43% to Hernandez’s 17% in the initial primary, but Tuesday’s election was much closer. With 95% of the expected vote in, Wahab led 53% to 47%.
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