AIPAC's Big Test Tonight: The Afghan Candidate and the Anti-Israel Drift in Congress

The final battle in California's special election between progressive Aisha Wahab and moderate Melissa Hernandez, backed by AIPAC, may determine the future of the anti-Israel drift in Congress. Wahab, who could become the first Afghan-American in the House, leads in polls but faces a multi-million-dollar campaign against her. The results will show whether lobby money still influences or becomes a liability.

The special election in California's 14th Congressional District is a crucial test of the power of the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC. Progressive candidate Aisha Wahab, who could become the first Afghan-American in the House, faces moderate Melissa Hernandez, backed by AIPAC. Wahab led the first round with 43% of the vote to Hernandez's 17%, but AIPAC has spent over $4 million on a campaign against her that does not explicitly mention Israel. Wahab, 39, supports ending U.S. military aid to Israel and has called events in Gaza genocide, but also initiated a resolution condemning Hamas and demanding the release of hostages. Hernandez, 51, president of the BART board, takes a more cautious stance. The race is seen as an internal Jewish battle over the limits of support for Israel, with involvement from J Street and American Priorities. The results will show whether AIPAC's money still decides or becomes a problem.