Democratic Club
by Mary Larson
LW contributor
Residents are reminded that there are only a few days left to vote in the City Council run-off election. The LW Democratic Club endorses Mariann Klinger for the position. Ballots can be placed in the drop-box located in the Amphitheater parking lot. The club reminds residents to not give their ballot for mailing to anyone they do not personally know.
••• To the surprise of many, Congresswoman Katie Porter has announced she will be running to replace Dianne Feinstein in the Senate. If elected, she would be Orange County's first U.S. Senator since John Seymour was appointed to a short term in the 1990s.
A number of other Democrats are also reportedly exploring running to replace Feinstein in the 2024 election, including Representatives Adam Schiff, Barbara Lee and Ro Khanna.
A person familiar with his thinking has previously written that Schiff had decided to explore the possibility of running for the Senate rather than seeking a position in House Democratic leadership. Lee has announced she is running. Khanna has said he has been “lookingattheSenate.” Hisallies are talking about the White House.
Secretary of State Shirley Weber and others were reportedly upset when the Harris seat did not go to another Black woman. She may also run for Feinstein’s spot.
Gov. Gavin Newsom can possibly control what happens in the race to replace Feinstein. He has reportedly told President Biden and Vice President Harris that he will not run against either of them in 2024. Pundits say that it is doubtful that any other candidate running to replace Feinstein in a 2024 Primary could best Newsom if he chooses to run for the position.
In addition to what happens in California in the 2024 election, Democrats will have to defend more than twice as many seats for the US. Senate as Republicans. This will include races in competitive states like Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
••• What is not a surprise is that former Representative Harley Rouda will be a candidate in Congressional District 47. His announcement about running to replace Porter in the 2024 Primary came just one day after she said she was giving up that position to run for the Senate.
In the November 2018 General Election, Rouda defeated long-term incumbent Republican Congressman Dana Rohrabacher to become Leisure World’s representative in Congress. In 2020, he was defeated for re-election by Orange County Supervisor Michelle Steel.
State Sen. Dave Min has also thrown his name into the mix for a seat in Congress to replace Porter. Min is the only Korean American currently in the state legislature.
In endorsing Min, Porter wrote, “Dave has proven that he can win in this area while delivering on a progressive agenda with real results.”
••• For in-depth reporting on issues, Democrats and supporters can subscribe to the club’s free newsletter by emailing democraticclubsblw@ gmail.com, or calling 562-296-8521.
