AIPAC invests $4.4 million in California special election to curb pro-Gaza Democrats

In a rare move, AIPAC is committing $4.4 million to a low-profile California special election that will replace former Rep. Eric Swalwell for a term ending in January. The spending targets state Senator Aisha Wahab, who called the Gaza destruction genocide, and supports Democrat Melissa Hernandez, who offered a more nuanced view of Israel’s right to self-defence. Political commentators argue the gamble is intended to signal the cost of criticizing Israel, using the brief incumbency as a stepping stone to the November general election.

Ads have avoided direct references to Israel, instead attacking Wahab’s public-safety record and raising issues like sex trafficking and fentanyl. Experts warn that a Wahab victory could undermine AIPAC’s deterrent strategy, while a loss would demonstrate the limits of massive outside money in a race where the primary base is already decided.