Aisha Wahab makes history as the first Afghan American elected to Congress

August 20, 2026

Aisha Wahab has become the first person of Afghan descent elected to Congress after winning a special election for the U.S. House seat vacated by Eric Swalwell, who resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations. The Democrat, already a historic figure as California's first Muslim and Afghan American state senator, defeated Melissa Hernandez despite facing over $5 million in opposition spending, much of it from groups linked to AIPAC. Wahab ran on a progressive platform supporting Medicare for All, higher taxes on billionaires, and ending U.S. weapons aid to Israel, while Hernandez focused on affordability, public safety, and housing.

Who is affected

Aisha Wahab (election winner and new Representative-elect)
Melissa Hernandez (election opponent and BART Board member)
Rep. Eric Swalwell (former seat holder who resigned)
Afghan Americans and Muslim Americans (represented by historic candidacy)
Voters in the congressional district
American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and United Democracy Project super PAC (spent millions opposing Wahab)
Progressive candidates like Abdul El-Sayed and Claire Valdez (part of same political wave)
California Legislative Jewish Caucus (worked with Wahab on resolution)

What action is being taken

Wahab's team has reached out to Meta regarding allegedly defamatory statements on social media
Wahab is planning to file a complaint with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) over what she characterizes as defamatory statements and possible undisclosed election activity
Both Wahab and Hernandez are campaigning for the November election for a full term

Why it matters

This election marks a significant milestone in representation, with Wahab becoming the first person of Afghan descent to serve in Congress. The race also represents the broader struggle within the Democratic Party between progressive and centrist factions, particularly regarding issues like Israel policy, with progressive candidates gaining traction despite facing massive opposition spending from establishment groups. Swalwell's departure created a rare opportunity to increase women's representation in Congress by removing the incumbency advantage, which is one of the biggest structural obstacles women candidates face.

What's next

Wahab will file a complaint with the Federal Elections Commission regarding alleged defamatory statements and possible undisclosed election activity
Wahab and Hernandez will both appear on the ballot in November for a full term in the House seat

Read full article from source: The 19th