The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is facing heat after the campaign arm of House Democrats moved to boost Asm. Jasmeet Bains (D-Bakersfield) in California’s 22nd Congressional District less than a month before the primary election.
The DCCC announced Monday that Bains had been added to its “Red to Blue” program, a designation that brings organizational and fundraising support. The program does not serve as a formal endorsement, but signals party leadership’s preference in a district that is considered one of the nation’s most competitive battlegrounds.
Driving the news: Bains’ pursuit to unseat Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford) has faced significant head winds courtesy of progressive Democrat Randy Villegas.
- Bains, viewed as a moderate and backed by corporate interests, is facing a contrast with Villegas, a college professor and school board trustee who has embraced progressive policies and grassroots support.
- In February, neither candidate reached the 60% threshold needed to secure the California Democratic Party’s endorsement.
What they’re saying: In announcing its decision, DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene highlighted Bains’ experience as a physician and drew a contrast with Valadao’s record on health care.
- “Bains has fought on the frontlines of health crises and built a track record of delivering for the Central Valley,” DelBene said. “Meanwhile, David Valadao has sided with Washington politicians to rip health care away from his constituents and proven he won’t stand up for working families. It’s time to call in a doctor who will.”
The horse race: Shortly after the announcement, Villegas rolled out endorsements from Rep. Nanette Barragan of California and Rep. Delia Ramirez of Illinois, both members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC.
- That PAC on Monday also rebuked the DCCC’s move to elevate Bains, according to Axios.
The other side: Villegas criticized both Bains and the DCCC for its decision to throw its support behind her candidacy. “It is undemocratic to see D.C. elites putting their thumb on the scale in this race,” Villegas said in a statement Monday. “This district deserves a representative that will not flip-flop on issues, one that shows up to take votes, one that is willing to be seen in our communities and that is not Jasmeet Bains.”
- “Democrats are scraping the bottom of the barrel if Progressive Jasmeet Bains is their idea of a top recruit. Bains has already made it clear that in Washington, she will be another rubber stamp for the same out of touch, radical agenda pushed by corrupt Sacramento Democrats that’s driving up costs, making communities less safe, and driving families out of California,” National Republican Campaign Committee spokesman Christian Martinez said.
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