Aisha Wahab Makes History as First Afghan-American in U.S. Congress

Aisha Wahab, a senator from California, has made history by becoming the first Afghan-American to join the U.S. Congress after winning a special election. Previously, she had served in the California State Senate.

Aisha Wahab Joins the U.S. Congress

Aisha Wahab, a Democratic senator from California, won a special election to fill the seat left vacant by Eric Swalwell, marking her as the first Afghan-American in U.S. Congress. Her victory comes despite political opponents spending millions of dollars in the election’s final weeks to thwart her success.

Political Positions and Views of Aisha Wahab

Wahab is recognized as a progressive member of the Democratic Party. During her campaign, she strongly condemned the Israeli regime’s actions against the people of Gaza, asserting that she would work toward ending U.S. military support for Israel once in Congress. In 2025, she played a role in the California Senate’s resolution calling for an end to the “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza.

Election Costs and Challenges

Wahab achieved this milestone despite the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and other related groups spending at least $5 million to back her Republican opponent and prevent her from winning. These expenses were aimed at influencing the electoral outcome.

Aisha Wahab’s Life and Education

Born in 1987 in New York, Aisha Wahab’s family immigrated to the U.S. during the conflicts following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. She lost her parents at a young age and was raised by guardians from the age of nine. Wahab has extensive education in political science, business management, and social work, attaining her doctorate in these fields.