CA-15: Hayward council member Aisha Wahab runs for Eric Swalwell's open congressional seat

[RandySF]

Hayward council member Aisha Wahab, a progressive elected just a few months ago, became the first candidate to jump into the race for Rep. Eric Swalwell’s East Bay congressional seat Friday.

Wahab, 31, became one of the first Afghan-American elected officials in the country when she won her council seat last year. She said she planned to focus her congressional campaign on protecting the middle class and fighting for progressive issues like Medicare for All and living wages.

“I am a product of America, from foster care to public education to community organizing,” Wahab said in an interview, vowing to “push the boundaries of the discussion” in Congress.

Swalwell’s announcement this week that he’s running for president could set off a crowded race to represent the district, which includes the Tri-Valley area as well as Hayward, parts of Fremont and several surrounding communities.


https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/04/12/aisha-wahab-congress-east-bay-california-eric-swalwell/

[W_HAMILTON]

1. I didn't know Swalwell was giving up his congressional seat to run for president...

[RandySF]

2. He hasn't

But a congressional race is so expnsive out here that you have to start early.

[W_HAMILTON]

3. So, it's sort of like sharks circling around him or something?

I just assumed that he wouldn't win the nomination and that he would be back in Congress, but this story had me confused.