California special election becomes battleground over AIPAC's influence in Democratic Party

A special election in California's 14th congressional district has become a focal point for AIPAC's influence within the Democratic Party, with millions spent to support moderate Democrat Melissa Hernandez against progressive state senator Aisha Wahab. Wahab, who supports ending US military aid to Israel and stated Israel's war against Hamas constituted a genocide, is the favorite in Tuesday's election. AIPAC's super PAC, United Democracy Project, has invested nearly $2.5 million to boost Hernandez and attack Wahab, while another group, Bold America, spent approximately $1.8 million. Wahab, who has centered her campaign on affordability and civil rights, has also received support from the liberal pro-Israel lobby J Street Action Fund, which is spending $100,000 to support her. Wahab attributed AIPAC's spending to "pure racism and prejudice," while Hernandez stated, "I have no say over independent expenditures."