Aisha Wahab becomes first Afghan American in U.S. Congress

Aisha Wahab was sworn in as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, becoming the first Afghan American to serve in Congress. Wahab, a former California state senator, was elected in a special election to fill the remainder of the term for former Representative Eric Swalwell in California’s 14th Congressional District.

Swalwell resigned in April following allegations of sexual misconduct. In her remarks, Wahab discussed her background growing up in the foster care system and expressed a desire to work across party lines to address rising costs for housing, healthcare, and basic necessities.

Wahab’s transition to federal office leaves her former California state senate seat vacant until after the November general election. She will face Melissa Hernandez again in the upcoming November 3 election.