Congressional candidates jockey in redistricting-spawned scramble
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Once the announcements of who is running for what congressional seats are made, you can bet the endorsements and fundraising can’t be far behind.
As candidates scramble for new seats in the recently completed redrawing of California districts for Congress, their campaigns have been busy touting the latest developments.
Former Republican state Sen. and Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado has scheduled a Sept. 24 fundraiser at his family’s Santa Maria ranch for his planned run against veteran Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara). Capps’ new district, the 24th, is less Democrat-heavy than before, and she is already running hard for reelection and railing against the ‘false attacks’ against her record by House Republicans.
Rep. Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles), has begun a series of ‘grass-roots’ fundraising events as she makes the transition to her newly drawn 37th District. Longtime Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) ended up in the same new district as Bass but is expected run in another new district, the 43rd, also in Los Angeles.
And two others announced their congressional bids. On Tuesday, state Sen. Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-Chino) said she’ll run in the newly created 35th District, which includes Pomona and Chino. Assemblywoman Norma Torres (D-Pomona) and Rep. Joe Baca (D-Rialto) also have their eyes on this seat.
In July, Riverside County Community College District Trustee Mark Takano, a Democrat, announced he was running for Congress in what has since become the 41st District and assembled a prominent campaign team for his expected match with county Supervisor John Tavaglione, a Republican. Previously, Takano ran against Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Corona), who is seeking reelection in the new 42nd District.
The primary elections will be held in June.
-- Jean Merl