Democrat Aisha Wahab, a California state senator, was projected Thursday to win a special election for an open U.S. House seat, multiple media outlets reported.
She defeated Democrat Melissa Hernandez, an official with the San Francisco Bay Area mass transit system.
Upon taking office, Wahab—an Afghan American—will succeed Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell, who resigned in April amid sexual misconduct allegations that he denied. The outcome leaves Democrats with 213 House seats and Republicans with 218.
The solidly Democratic district lies near San Francisco and San Jose.
The contest attracted millions in outside spending, including from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). AIPAC’s super PAC spent roughly $2.5 million since early August to support Hernandez, according to the Washington Post and other media outlets.
The lobbying group has become a focal point in several Democratic primary contests this year, reflecting heightened intra‑party tensions over the Israel‑Hamas war.
Wahab and Hernandez will face off again in November. The victor of that election will serve a full two‑year term in Congress.
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