Afghan American Aisha Wahab runs for US Congress in California. [Brooke Anderson/TNA]
Aisha Wahab, a California state lawmaker and the daughter of Afghan immigrants, is running for US Congress to replace Eric Swalwell, who resigned earlier this month following allegations of sexual misconduct.
Wahab is one of many contenders vying for the House seat in northern California’s District 14, a wealthy and diverse cluster of towns with one of the largest Afghan communities in the US.
A primary special election is scheduled for 16 June, which could determine the outcome of the 18 August special election to fill the seat in this deep-blue district. The general election will be held in November, at which point the winner of the special election will have a considerable incumbent advantage.
Wahab, who is currently serving in the California State Senate, has eight years of political experience, having served on the Hayward City Council from 2018 to 2022 and most recently in the California State Senate from 2022 to the present.
According to her campaign website, Wahab is running on a platform of affordable housing, healthcare and education; as well as community safety and a cleaner environment.
She appears to be a strong contender with more than 100 endorsements from elected officials and organisations, including Representatives Pramila Jayapal of Washington state, Maxwell Frost of Florida, and Lateefah Simon of California, as well as United Farmworkers and the California School Employees Association.
This race comes at a historic time for the US Congress, with the resignations of three House members in April following allegations of misconduct.
