Aisha Wahab, Melissa Hernandez compete for Swalwell's California seat

Voters in California's 14th Congressional District are casting their ballots Tuesday in a special election to fill the seat left vacant by former Representative Eric Swalwell. State Senator Aisha Wahab and local transit official Melissa Hernandez are competing for the Democratic nomination in a race marked by escalating costs and fierce campaigning.

This election follows Swalwell's resignation in April amid multiple allegations of sexual assault, which he has denied. The urgency of the election is amplified by the unique “jungle primary” system in California, which allows the top two candidates to advance regardless of party affiliation if no one secures a majority. Wahab and Hernandez advanced to the special election after receiving approximately 38% and 17% of the vote, respectively, in a nonpartisan primary held in June.

The race has attracted significant outside funding, with super PACs investing heavily to influence the outcome. Notably, groups associated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) have spent millions to support Hernandez and undermine Wahab. Federal Election Commission records indicate that outside contributions totaled about $4.1 million since mid-July, with around $3.7 million favoring Hernandez compared to less than $400,000 for Wahab. Wahab, the first Muslim woman elected to California’s state Senate, has openly criticized these outside influences and plans to file a complaint with the FEC, citing “unprecedented” election interference.

As polls remain open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, the outcome could shift the political landscape in the Bay Area. Wahab has garnered support for her progressive stances, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while Hernandez's campaign focuses on Wahab’s legislative history. The results may not only determine the next representative but also signal the influence of outside money in local elections, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process.