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

The special congressional election in California’s 14th district has become a battleground between two Democratic candidates, with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and its allies pouring millions of dollars into supporting Melissa Hernandez, president of the Bay Area Rapid Transit Board. Her opponent, Aisha Wahab, a progressive state senator, has campaigned on ending US military aid to Israel.

During an April debate, Wahab described Israel’s war in Gaza as a "genocide." In contrast, Hernandez declined to give a yes-or-no answer, stating that while Israel had a right to defend itself following the October 7, 2023, attacks, the "destruction into Gaza has gone too far."

Reports indicate that AIPAC-linked groups have spent approximately $2.5 million to boost Hernandez and attack Wahab. Hernandez stated she has no control over independent expenditures, adding that none of her donors set her agenda.

Wahab, the child of Afghan refugees, has centered her campaign on affordability and civil rights, drawing endorsements from labor unions and the California Democratic Party. Hernandez has received support from police and fire unions, as well as Democratic Jewish members of Congress.

Wahab attributed the AIPAC spending to "pure racism and prejudice." Meanwhile, the liberal pro-Israel lobby J Street Action Fund announced it would spend $100,000 to support Wahab, describing AIPAC’s efforts as a "cynical attempt" to defeat a candidate who refuses to "rubber-stamp their agenda."