Aisha Wahab Sworn In as First Afghan American in US Congress

DID Press: Aisha Wahab was sworn in on Wednesday as the first Afghan American to serve in the U.S. Congress, formally taking her seat in the House of Representatives for California’s 14th Congressional District.

Wahab, 39, won a special election on August 18 to fill the vacancy left by former Representative Eric Swalwell and will serve the remainder of the current term through the end of the year. She defeated Melissa Hernandez in the special election and is expected to face her again in November in the contest for a full congressional term.

Speaking after taking the oath of office, Wahab said:

“Your past does not determine your future.”

She also referred to her experience in the foster care system, saying she entered Congress carrying “the beating heart of a former foster care kid.”

Before entering Congress, Wahab served on the Hayward City Council and later represented California’s 10th Senate District. She holds a Doctor of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California.

During her swearing-in remarks, Wahab called for greater cooperation across political divisions, saying Americans were frustrated with partisan conflict and needed practical solutions to challenges including housing, the cost of living, education, healthcare and other basic needs.

Her inauguration marks a historic milestone for Afghan Americans in U.S. politics, making Wahab the first person of Afghan heritage to serve in the U.S. Congress.