Aisha Wahab prepares to transition from the California Senate to Congress | CA Politics 360
California State Sen. Aisha Wahab, the first Afghan American elected to the state legislature, is preparing to transition to Congress after winning the Bay Area’s special election to serve the remainder of former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s term following his resignation in April amid allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.
Wahab, who will also become the first Afghan American to serve in Congress, said the reality of her new role has not fully settled in.
“It hasn’t really settled in my brain yet. We’re still as a senator, you know, doing our work and, you know, haven’t been sworn in. So just a little nervous, a little overwhelmed. So that’s kind of how the feeling is right now,” Wahab said.
The California legislative session ends on Aug. 31, and it was not immediately clear whether she will be there on the final night of session before heading to Washington, D.C.
When asked about her priorities in Washington, Wahab said she is waiting to see what committees she might join, as those decisions are often made by leadership.
“Plus, at the same time, we’re coming in on the tail end, so it’s largely probably more votes than anything. So we’re going to see what happens,” Wahab said.
Wahab also addressed her stance on the war in Iran, emphasizing the need to avoid unnecessary conflicts.
“First and foremost, I have said it very publicly. I try my best to say that we need to avoid war at all costs. Especially needless wars without a strategy, without a reason to actually go into that. And, you know, at the end of the day, what is the goal for the United States? And if it’s regime change, you know, the people of that nation need to determine that,” Wahab said.
Reflecting on her background as an Afghan American, Wahab noted the long-term consequences of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan.
“As a kid who’s an Afghan American who grew up seeing all the wars that took place after 9/11, none of them have been successful. Realistically,” she said. “If you take a look at Afghanistan, it’s in the hands of the Taliban who are just ruining the country in so many other ways. But also, the 20 years didn’t really achieve much either.”
In the short term, Wahab said her focus in Congress will be on addressing funding cuts that impact vulnerable populations, including seniors and those relying on food security programs.
“Number one is we need to reinstate a lot of the funding cuts that have taken place that really damage our most vulnerable populations,” she said. “Whether it’s our seniors, whether it’s those on food security programs or anything like that, I think that’s the number one issue, but we’re not going to be able to solve it in a short time. Budget negotiations have already taken place largely. And, again, I think that that is the priority. I think that the American people want the American people to be the priority in D.C. And that’s not happening.”
Wahab also discussed the political dynamics surrounding her election, including reports that prominent California Democratic leaders, including Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and California’s Democratic Congressional leader Rep. Zoe Lofgren, who supported her opponent.
“I think that there were a lot of games played in my race. And, you know, I’m the Democratic-endorsed candidate. The labor-endorsed candidate, definitely won by a large margin in the primary,” Wahab said. “I’m one of those people that would like to start everything off with a fresh, clean slate. But obviously there was a lot of damage that I took because of, you know, people’s egos.”
When asked if she had heard from any of those leaders, Wahab said, “I have heard from the chair (Lofgren) as well as Congressman Aguilar. They both congratulated me. But I will say some of the reporting is also not 100% accurate of what really took place.”
She elaborated, “I find it very questionable that we always say you support the Democratic-endorsed candidate. And that was not the case in my situation.”
Wahab also addressed broader issues of prejudice in politics.
“I think that there’s a lot of prejudice,” she said. “And it’s not just identity issues, but it’s also thought process. You know, the average age of the American resident is 39 years old. Okay. That’s in my age range. We have a different opinion of how this nation needs to move forward. That is largely focusing on the American people, making sure people are not in debt or struggling to pay their groceries and their utilities and their school. And actually having a home, owning a home, being happy, thriving.”
She added, “What I typically see both sometimes in the state legislature as well as in D.C., is it’s always industry focused.” Wahab said.
“It’s very much focused on that. And, you know, some of these wars that we’re seeing without any checks and balances, people are running amok with their power. And it’s gotten to people’s heads. And we need to kind of course-correct where the United States is. And I think that my generation has been very loud and proud about that. And people do want to hear it.”
Wahab also addressed claims made by Rep. Zoe Lofgren about a conversation regarding the War Powers Act. Lofgren claimed Wahab asked her, “what’s in it for me?”
“That’s not the actual conversation. I will say that there was a discussion about place or caretaker for the seat,” Wahab said. “I think that for me, I’ve always cared about the most vulnerable people in this country. I’ve cared about doing the right thing. I have served in that capacity and will continue to do so. And I will push back against individuals as well as ideas and plans that don’t make sense for regular people.”
Reflecting on her legislative efforts in the California Senate, Wahab expressed disappointment over the failure of some of her bills, including one focused on granting adopted individuals access to their original birth certificates.
“The original birth certificate. The reason why that’s so important to me is because we had people in their 80s come here, and they came here decades ago asking for the same thing. And the fact that several of our witnesses and people who spoke in support of the bill have passed away now, literally never knowing who their birth parents are, I think that that is absolutely devastating to a human being, a soul, a person, a life. And there is no need to particularly kill that particular bill,” Wahab said.
Wahab highlighted another bill, SB 1193, which aims to increase transparency in Alameda County’s use of taxpayer funds. The bill, which is currently on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk, has faced opposition from the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. “They use [taxpayer dollars] for galas and cocktail parties and luncheons,” Wahab said, adding that the bill would require greater accountability for how public funds are spent.
Gov. Newsom has been asked a couple of times about the proposal and has said he is still reviewing it.
As she prepares to take on her new role in Congress, Wahab said she remains committed to advocating for policies that prioritize the needs of ordinary Americans. “I think that the institutions need to kind of prioritize regular people,” she said.
KCRA 3 Political Director Ashley Zavala reports in-depth coverage of top California politics and policy issues. She is also the host of “California Politics 360.” Get informed each Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on KCRA 3.