Aipac-linked Super Pacs are spending millions of dollars in a California congressional race to prevent a progressive Democrat from winning, according to infohub.kz.
State Senator Aisha Wahab, endorsed by the California Democratic Party, is considered the frontrunner in the special election for the East Bay district. The seat was previously held by Eric Swalwell, who resigned earlier this year following multiple allegations of sexual assault.
In the June primary, Wahab outpaced her closest competitor, former Dublin Mayor Melissa Hernandez, by more than 20 points. They also competed in a special election to complete Swalwell's term. The two will face off again in a runoff later this month, and then again in November.
According to Politico, Super Pacs have poured over $5 million into the race in recent weeks, funding ads supporting Hernandez and opposing Wahab. This includes $1.2 million from United Democracy Project, backed by Aipac, and $2.1 million from Bold America Pac, which has received significant funding from United Democracy Project.
Track Aipac reports that Aipac has spent over $4.4 million to support Hernandez in this race. Aipac is one of the largest Super Pacs and the most influential pro-Israel lobbying organization in the US, and has significantly increased its political spending in recent years. The New York Times reported that Aipac has doubled its spending, largely in Democratic primaries, to $67.2 million.
Previously, Aipac spent millions to support moderate candidate Haley Stevens in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary. However, progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed won, marking a significant test for the party.
Wahab has spoken out against the negative ads, urging voters to ask her about her record. She criticized Hernandez for dodging debates and relying on "dark money." "We're not going to let this race be bought by outside interests," Wahab said in a video posted on social media.
The Guardian has contacted Aipac and the campaigns of Wahab and Hernandez for comment.