House Democrats are divided over the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s refusal to back a candidate in a July primary in the 24th congressional district of Texas.
Politico reported the dispute centers on whether the DCCC should support Candace Valenzuela, an Afro-Latina educator, ahead of the primary.
The campaign arms for the Hispanic, Black, Asian and progressive caucuses are pushing for the DCCC to back her, according to Politico. They are asking the DCCC to include her in its Red to Blue program, which would direct donors and the DCCC’s own resources to her campaign.
But so far, the DCCC has declined.
“We urge you and the DCCC to nominate Candace Valenzuela, running in Texas’ 24th congressional district, to Red-to-Blue,” the minority lawmakers wrote in an April 24 letter. “As a party that proudly fights for all Americans, we should continue to strive for the diverse representation our communities deserve. Texas’ 24th congressional district is a majority-minority district and should be represented by someone with ties to the community."
Valenzuela’s opponent, Kim Olson, won the first round of the primary by 10 points. Politico noted that the DCCC does not routinely endorse in open primaries, although it did so in a number of key 2018 races.
“The DCCC has not weighed in on any competitive Democratic primaries in the 2020 election cycle,” DCCC spokesman Cole Leiter said.
The DCCC raised $11.3 million in April — the worst month of fundraising for the group this year. The DCCC raised $17 million in February but dropped down to $14.3 million in March.
Jeffrey Rodack ✉
Jeffrey Rodack, who has nearly a half century in news as a senior editor and city editor for national and local publications, has covered politics for Newsmax for nearly seven years.
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