Israel-focused California primary pits progressive against AIPAC-backed moderate
JTA — AIPAC and its allies have poured millions of dollars into a California special election, transforming a race between two Democrats into a battleground over the pro-Israel group’s place in Democratic politics.The spending in the Bay Area’s 14th congressional district is aimed at boosting Melissa Hernandez, a moderate Democrat and president of the Bay Area Rapid Transit Board, over Aisha Wahab, a progressive state senator who supports ending US military aid to Israel.Wahab replied “yes” during an April debate when asked whether Israel’s war in Gaza constituted a genocide. In contrast, Hernandez declined to give a yes-or-no answer, instead saying that Israel had a right to defend itself following the October 7, 2023, attacks, but that the “destruction into Gaza has gone too far.”Wahab remains the favorite heading into Tuesday’s election to replace former Rep. Eric Swalwell, a reliable supporter of Israel in Congress who resigned in April amid…
A special election in California's 14th congressional district has become a battleground over AIPAC's influence in Democratic politics, 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 in Gaza constitutes "genocide," remains the favorite despite significant spending by AIPAC's super PACs. Hernandez, while acknowledging Israel's right to self-defense, believes the "destruction into Gaza has gone too far." Wahab attributes the AIPAC spending to "pure racism and prejudice" and has received support from pro-Palestinian and liberal pro-Israel PACs. Both candidates have focused their campaigns on domestic issues like affordability and civil rights, with Israel not being a primary campaign focus.
© All rights to the original article belong to the source. Din Online shows a headline, an excerpt and a link only. The objectivity rating is computed automatically and is an estimate only.
Discussion
No comments yet — be the first to comment.