Aipac-linked super PACs spend millions in California to block progressive candidate

Super PACs affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac) have poured millions of dollars into a California congressional race in an effort to prevent a progressive Democrat from taking the seat once held by Eric Swalwell.

Aisha Wahab, a state senator endorsed by the California Democratic Party, is widely seen as the frontrunner in the special election for the East Bay district. Swalwell resigned earlier this year after multiple sexual assault allegations, having served in office for over a decade.

In the June primary and a separate special election to fill out Swalwell’s term, Wahab defeated her nearest rival, former Dublin mayor Melissa Hernandez, by more than 20 points. The two will face each other in a runoff later this month, followed by another contest in November.

Super PACs have spent more than $5 million in recent weeks on ads supporting Hernandez and attacking Wahab, according to Politico. That includes $1.2 million from the Aipac-backed United Democracy Project and $2.1 million from Bold America PAC, which has received substantial funding from the United Democracy Project. Track Aipac, a group that monitors Aipac’s political contributions, reported the lobby has spent over $4.4 million to back Hernandez.

Aipac, one of the largest super PACs and the most influential pro-Israel lobbying organization in the US, has significantly expanded its political spending in recent years. The New York Times reported earlier this week that Aipac doubled its outlays to $67.2 million, largely in Democratic primaries.

The organization also spent millions on behalf of moderate Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, where progressive Abdul El-Sayed ultimately won in what has been called a defining contest for the party.

Wahab has spoken out against the negative ads, urging voters to ask her about her record. She accused Hernandez of skipping debates while relying on “dark money” to support her campaign. “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 both campaigns for comment.