# Aisha Wahab sworn in as first Afghan American in Congress > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/california-14th-district-special-election > Updated: 2026-09-08T23:28:02.000Z. Sources: 80. Developments: 6. State Senator Aisha Wahab has been sworn in as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming the first Afghan American to serve in Congress. Wahab won the special election for California’s 14th Congressional District to fill the remainder of the term vacated by Eric Swalwell, who resigned in April following allegations of sexual misconduct. In her remarks upon being sworn in, Wahab discussed her personal history growing up in the foster care system. She expressed a commitment to working across party lines to address the rising costs of healthcare, housing, and basic necessities. Her transition to federal office leaves her former California state senate seat vacant until after the November general election. The special election race was marked by significant spending from groups aligned with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which spent between $5 million and $6.4 million to support fellow Democrat Melissa Hernandez. While Hernandez maintained a moderate stance on the conflict in Gaza, Wahab had previously described the situation as a “genocide” and advocated for changes to U.S. policy regarding unconditional aid to Israel. Wahab is currently facing scrutiny following comments regarding diplomatic engagement with the Taliban. She suggested that the United States should pursue diplomacy with the Islamic Emirate government to potentially influence human rights and civil rights improvements in Afghanistan. This stance has drawn condemnation from members of the Afghan diaspora, with some critics labeling her a “Taliban apologist.” Wahab and Hernandez are scheduled to face each other again in the November 3 general election to determine who will serve the next full term. ## Claims - Aisha Wahab won the special election for California’s 14th Congressional District. (corroborated by 22 sources) - Aisha Wahab is the first Afghan American elected to the US Congress. (corroborated by 22 sources) - Wahab will succeed Eric Swalwell, who resigned following allegations of sexual misconduct. (corroborated by 22 sources) - Wahab defeated fellow Democrat Melissa Hernandez in the special election. (corroborated by 21 sources) - The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) spent millions of dollars supporting Melissa Hernandez. (corroborated by 19 sources) - Wahab and Hernandez are scheduled to compete again in November for a full congressional term. (corroborated by 18 sources) - Wahab has expressed opposition to unconditional U.S. aid to Israel and described events in Gaza as genocide. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress in April following sexual assault and harassment allegations. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Federal agents seized electronic devices from Swalwell and searched his home. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Wahab has championed housing affordability and access. (corroborated by 4 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Aisha Wahab faces scrutiny over Taliban diplomacy comments Newly elected Congresswoman Aisha Wahab faces criticism after suggesting the U.S. pursue diplomacy with the Taliban, while her former California State Senate seat remains vacant until November. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aisha-wahab-faces-scrutiny-over-taliban-diplomacy-comments ### 2026-09-03: Aisha Wahab becomes first Afghan American in U.S. Congress Aisha Wahab has been sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives, making history as the first Afghan American to serve in Congress. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aisha-wahab-becomes-first-afghan-american-in-us-congress ### 2026-08-28: Aisha Wahab elected as first Afghan-American to U.S. Congress Aisha Wahab becomes the first Afghan-American elected to the U.S. Congress, sparking debate after calling for continued diplomatic engagement with the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aisha-wahab-elected-as-first-afghan-american-to-us-congress-1 ### 2026-08-21: Aisha Wahab wins special election to California's 14th District Aisha Wahab has become the first Afghan American elected to the U.S. Congress after winning a special election in California’s 14th District, defeating moderate Democrat Melissa Hernandez. 28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aisha-wahab-wins-california-special-election-to-us-congress ### 2026-08-19: Aisha Wahab wins California special election to replace Eric Swalwell California state Senator Aisha Wahab won a special election to replace Eric Swalwell in the 14th Congressional District, becoming the first Afghan American to serve in Congress. 36 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aisha-wahab-leads-melissa-hernandez-in-california-special-runoff-election ### 2026-08-17: California voters head to polls for Swalwell's congressional successor California voters are choosing a successor for Eric Swalwell in a special election for the 14th Congressional District, featuring Democrats Aisha Wahab and Melissa Hernandez. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-voters-to-elect-successor-to-eric-swalwell --- Cite as: Aisha Wahab sworn in as first Afghan American in Congress. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/california-14th-district-special-election