All articles tagged with #california democrats
Vice President JD Vance criticized California Democrats and blamed them for violence in Los Angeles, while also disparaging Senator Alex Padilla by mistake during a press conference, amid ongoing political tensions over immigration enforcement and protests.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed California Democrats, criticizing the party's lack of tangible results and urging a focus on delivering for working families, while acknowledging the party's struggles post-2024 elections and emphasizing the need for action over rhetoric.
California Democrats were divided on endorsing a candidate for the U.S. Senate race, with none of the leading candidates reaching the 60% threshold needed. Rep. Barbara Lee led with 41% of delegate votes, followed closely by Rep. Adam Schiff with 40%, and Rep. Katie Porter with 16%. The lack of endorsement was overshadowed by protesters calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza war, disrupting the convention and prompting party officials to cancel events and increase security. Lee's support for a ceasefire energized her campaign, while Schiff and Porter called for "humanitarian pauses" in the conflict.
The California Democratic Party Convention highlighted divisions within the party over the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as the upcoming 2024 Senate race to fill the seat of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Protesters disrupted the convention, leading to the cancellation of official party events, and tensions ran high between Jewish and Palestinian delegates. Rep. Barbara Lee won the most support among delegates for the Senate race, followed closely by Rep. Adam Schiff, while Rep. Katie Porter trailed behind. The party's divisions could impact its success in the 2024 election and its ability to unite voters.
California Democrats are proposing multiple bond measures totaling over $100 billion to fund various initiatives such as mental health treatment, climate change adaptation, education, and housing. However, Governor Gavin Newsom will need to determine how much to ask for and where to allocate the funds, considering the potential voter fatigue and the state's fiscal caution. Newsom's priority is a $4.68 billion bond for behavioral health treatment, followed by proposals for climate change, education, and housing. The governor aims to have his proposal on the March primary ballot, while other bonds may be placed on the crowded November ballot.
Some California Democrats are expressing concern about Senator Dianne Feinstein's ability to represent the state after seeing her return to Washington in a wheelchair and still weak after a nearly three-month absence from the Senate due to shingles. While some argue that calls for her to step down earlier are rooted in misogyny and ageism, others are worried about her declining mental and physical capabilities. Feinstein has already announced that she would not seek another term, but some Democrats are calling for her to resign early. The Democrats running to replace her in 2024, Reps. Barbara Lee and Katie Porter, both wished her well.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) reiterated his call for Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) to resign due to her absence from the Senate, which is preventing Democrats from nominating or voting through new judges. Feinstein has not voted in the Senate since February due to a severe case of shingles. Khanna has suggested that Rep. Barbara Lee replace Feinstein and that California Gov. Gavin Newsom should appoint an African-American woman to the seat. Feinstein has already announced that she will not run for reelection in 2024.