HAYWARD, Calif. (Diya TV) — Democratic Rep. Aisha Wahab has won a full term representing California’s 14th Congressional District, defeating former Dublin Mayor Melissa Hernandez in a closely watched rematch that followed their August special election contest.
Wahab first secured the seat in August to replace former Rep. Eric Swalwell, who resigned in April amid sexual misconduct allegations that he has denied.
The race marked the second congressional contest between Wahab and Hernandez in just a few months, becoming an increasingly contentious and expensive battle between two Democrats competing for influence in the East Bay. Outside groups poured millions of dollars into the contest, including affiliates for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and the Council of American-Islamic Relations, which sought to shape the outcome of several Democratic races nationwide.
Hernandez entered the general election hoping to capitalize on California’s newly redrawn congressional boundaries. The maps, approved through Proposition 50 in November 2025, added Dublin, where Hernandez previously served as mayor and councilmember, to the 14th District. She had lost the August special election to Wahab by approximately six percentage points and viewed the expanded Dublin electorate as a potential path to victory.
However, the strategy failed to deliver the expected advantage. An analysis of reported election returns found that Wahab carried 12 of Dublin’s 15 precincts. Hernandez won only three, two of which also voted against a regional transit measure intended to provide funding for BART, where she serves on the board of directors.
Wahab also maintained strong support across much of the district, winning precincts throughout Hayward, Fremont and Union City, as well as large portions of the Tri-Valley.
The campaign grew increasingly personal in the weeks leading up to Election Day. During an October debate, Hernandez accused Wahab of communicating with the Taliban, prompting Wahab to condemn the remarks as a racist attack. Hernandez later defended her comments as criticism of Wahab’s position on diplomatic relations with Afghanistan.
Wahab, the first Afghan American elected to Congress, campaigned on housing affordability, public safety and her legislative record in the California Senate. She received endorsements from Gov. Gavin Newsom, Sens. Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Ro Khanna, the California Democratic Party and several labor organizations.
As a State Senator, Wahab received a lot of scrutiny for introducing SB-403, a controversial caste discrimination bill that was vetoed by Newsom after triggering a firestorm in the South Asian community.
Following her victory, Wahab said voters had rejected outside influence and emphasized the need for Democrats to deliver on economic priorities.
“For the fourth time, the people of this district chose one of their own over outside money and influence,” Wahab said in a statement. “They made it clear that our community is not for sale.”
She also called for a renewed focus on lowering costs, improving affordability and increasing government accountability.
Hernandez, a former Dublin mayor and president of the BART board, also emphasized public safety and economic concerns throughout the campaign while challenging Wahab’s record.
