Israel-focused California primary pits progressive against AIPAC-backed moderate

AIPAC and its allies have poured millions into a California special election primary, boosting moderate Democrat Melissa Hernandez against progressive state senator Aisha Wahab in the 14th congressional district. Wahab, who supports ending US military aid to Israel, led the June 16 primary with 42.8% to Hernandez's 16.8%. The race is to replace former Rep. Eric Swalwell, who resigned in April amid sexual misconduct allegations he denied.

AIPAC and its allies have poured millions of dollars into a California special election, transforming a race between two Democrats in the Bay Area's 14th congressional district into a battleground over the pro-Israel group's influence in Democratic politics. The spending aims to boost Melissa Hernandez, a moderate Democrat and president of the Bay Area Rapid Transit Board, over Aisha Wahab, a progressive state senator who supports ending US military aid to Israel. Wahab replied 'yes' during an April debate when asked whether Israel's war in Gaza constituted a genocide, while Hernandez declined a yes-or-no answer, saying Israel had a right to defend itself following the October 7, 2023, attacks, but that the 'destruction into Gaza has gone too far.' Wahab remains the favorite heading into Tuesday's election to replace former Rep. Eric Swalwell, who resigned in April amid sexual misconduct allegations he has denied. Wahab finished ahead of Hernandez in the June 16 special primary, receiving 42.8 percent of the vote compared to Hernandez's 16.8%. The United Democracy Project, AIPAC's main super PAC, has poured close to $2.5 million into boosting Hernandez and attacking Wahab, while Bold America has spent roughly $1.8 million. Wahab has centered her campaign on affordability and civil rights, while Hernandez has focused on lowering costs and public safety.