Democratic Club
by Mary Larson
LW contributor
The LW Democratic Club’s newest task force is in the process of organizing a “Neighbor to Neighbor Get out the Vote” program. The ultimate goal of this effort will be to significantly increase the number of voters in the March 2024 primary election. There is a role to play for every club member interested in participating. Members can email democraticclubsblw@gmail.com or call 562-296-8521 for details.
One of the races that the group is currently focused on is the one to replace Katie Porter, LW’s current representative in Congress. The 2024 primary election race to replace her is being eyed by both national parties as a potential determiner in who will control the House of Representatives in 2025.
Former Rep. Harley Rouda has dropped out of the race on the advice of his doctors. While Democratic candidate Dave Min doesn’t hold incumbency in LW’s congressional district, he’s an elected state senator serving a large area of Orange County. His district includes many cities in the 47th. He is also the candidate endorsed by Porter.
Joanna Weiss is one of the other Democratic candidates running in the 47th. She is the founder of Women for American Values and Ethics (WAVE) Action Fund.
Scott Baugh, a former GOP Assembly leader, is also running. He ran against Porter in the 2022 midterm election. He has the backing of the Republican Party of Orange County.
Republican businessman Max Ukropina has also just joined the race to replace Porter. Ukropina included the following in a news release announcing his campaign, “I’m not a politician. I’m a businessman, and I know what it takes to build our economy.”
The 47th Congressional district includes Irvine, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and Seal Beach. The Filing deadline for candidates is Dec. 8, 2023.
In another closely watched contest, 18 candidates are reported to be running to replace Dianne Feinstein in the Senate. Adam Schiff, Katie Porter and Barbara Lee are still the most prominent Democrats. Attorney Eric Early is the best-known Republican.
••• Beginning Tuesday, May 2, the LW Democratic Club’s information and registration booth outside Clubhouse 6 will be open on the first Tuesday of each month from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
For more in-depth reporting on issues and candidates, Democrats and supporters can subscribe to the LW Democratic Club’s free electronic newsletter by emailing democraticclubsblw@gmail.com or calling 562-296-8521. People are asked to include all of their full contact information, as well as party affiliation when signing up.
