Democratic party leaders are concerned crowded House party slates in California could have a downside in the upcoming primaries, and are pouring millions into three races to ensure Republicans don’t lock them out of November’s midterm elections, The New York Times reports.
The two highest vote getters get sent to the general election regardless of affiliation, and three South California districts have multiple Republicans and Democrats running.
Democrats have a solid chance of taking the House, but the party needs to flip at least 24 Republican seats. The cluster of California districts could prove critical.
The party is committing resources to Navy veteran Gil Cisneros in the 39th District, and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has put him on the “Red to Blue” list, signaling him as the most viable candidate among six other Democrats. The party has also spent nearly $1.9 million on television ads and mailers against Republican former Orange County GO chairman Scott Baugh in the 48th District, Orange County Supervisor Shawn Nelson and former state Sen. Bob Huff in the 39th District; and state Assemblyman and Marine veteran Rocky Chavez in the 49th District.
“If Democrats do not vote, we will be locked out of the top two,” Drew Godinich, a DCCC spokesman, told Roll Call. “We are confident that we have a path into the general election in all three of those districts, the 39th, 48th and 49th. But that danger is real. And the Democrats have to take it seriously.”
Additionally, state and national party committees back different contenders, causing more confusion among voters.
"We don't have a very good picture right now of who people would vote for," said Annie Wright, who launched the Orange County Democratic club.
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