Aisha Wahab Wins California Special Election to Succeed Eric Swalwell in Congress

HAYWARD, CA — California State Senator Aisha Wahab achieved a historic milestone late Thursday night, winning the special congressional election for California’s 14th Congressional District to fill the vacancy created by the departure of former Representative Eric Swalwell.

Special Election Results and Historic Milestone

Certified returns from the Alameda and Contra Costa county registrar offices showed Wahab securing 53.4 percent of the vote over moderate Democrat Melissa Hernandez. With her victory, Wahab becomes the first Afghan-American and first Muslim woman from California elected to the United States Congress. The high-intensity special contest drew national attention and over $4 million in independent expenditure advertising from competing progressive and moderate political action committees.

Representative-elect Wahab addressed supporters in Hayward, pledging to prioritize federal affordable housing tax credits, universal healthcare access, and stringent consumer protections against corporate price gouging.

Congressional Seating and Swearing-In

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Governor Gavin Newsom congratulated Wahab on her victory, noting that her election reinforces Democratic committee strength in the House of Representatives ahead of the fall legislative session.

Wahab will serve out the remaining months of the 119th Congress and will contest the November general election for a full two-year term.

Certification of Canvass

County election officials will transmit the final official canvass to California Secretary of State Shirley Weber on August 28, 2026, ahead of formal swearing-in ceremonies at the U.S. Capitol.