CALIFORNIA POLITICS
A judge finds that Kern County’s 2011 redistricting “illegally dilute[s] the voting power of Latinos and deprive[s] them of an opportunity to elect candidates of their choice.” Do other California counties — like Los Angeles — need to fix their district lines to ensure fair representation of growing Latinx communities?
Governor Race
Amanda Renteria enters the race as another Democrat for governor, and Doug Ose drops out, leaving two Republicans in contention.
Congressional Races
As the primary gets closer, there is growing concern that crowded Democratic fields of candidates running for congressional seats will split votes and result in all-Republican general elections, especially in the open seats for districts 39 and 49 (where Reps. Ed Royce and Darrell Issa, respectively, are retiring). On the other hand, there is also concern that Emilio Huerta is running another weak campaign in district 21, and that there will be no other Democratic candidates to give Rep. David Valadao a stronger challenge.
We are watching these congressional races closely. Clearly, voter education and engagement will be key in these races, and we support efforts by our community partners to make an impact in the districts. Please contact CDT staff on strategic investment opportunities.
State Legislature
Senator Tony Mendoza (SD32 – Artesia) resigned from the Senate under threat of expulsion for sexual harassment. He is planning on running for his seat again, starting in this June’s primary. With Assemblymember Cristina Garcia (AD58 – Bell Gardens) on voluntary leave of absence during an investigation into sexual harassment allegations, residents of southeastern Los Angeles County where their two districts overlap are now without any representation in Sacramento.
We are watching state legislative races closely, as well, and will be making strategic endorsements soon. Please contact staff with any questions or recommendations for races and candidates to look into.