First politician of Afghan origin elected to the US House of Representatives

A special election was held in California after Eric Swalwell resigned from his post in April due to sexual harassment allegations.

Wahab, a politician of Afghan origin, won the elections by defeating Melissa Hernandez.

Wahab, who will be the first politician of Afghan origin in the history of the US House of Representatives, said in his statement after the elections, "I will fight for the region that raised me. From the orphanage to the Congress, this journey shows that the American Dream is real." he said.

Wahab will represent California's 14th district in the House of Representatives until January.

In an April interview, Wahab asked whether he thought Israel's attacks on Palestinians amounted to "genocide," saying, "Yes." he replied.

Wahab won despite the interventions of the Israeli lobby

The Washington Post newspaper highlighted Wahab's victory in the elections despite the Israeli lobby's support for his opponent.

The news stated that groups affiliated with the pro-Israel American lobby group American-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) spent nearly $2.5 million to help Wahab's opponent, Melissa Hernandez, win.

Wahab and Hernandez are expected to face each other again in November's Congressional midterm elections to serve a 2-year term in the House of Representatives.

It was also emphasized that AIPAC spent millions of dollars to ensure that pro-Israel candidates won against candidates critical of Israel in the Congressional midterm elections in November.