California state Sen. Dave Min (D), a candidate in California’s 47th Congressional District, has an impressive résumé. He is a former law professor specializing in financial regulation, and has worked for Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and the Center for American Progress. Min has received endorsements from notable figures such as California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Attorney General Rob Bonta, progressive groups, labor unions, and Rep. Katie Porter herself, who he aims to succeed.
However, there is one aspect of Min’s background that stands out. While serving as a law professor at the University of California, Irvine, Min acted as a faculty adviser for the conservative Federalist Society from 2014 to 2016. The Federalist Society is known for vetting Republican judicial nominees and influencing the rightward shift of U.S. courts. Their involvement has been associated with the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the federal right to abortion in June 2022.
Min is currently facing opposition in the Democratic primary from attorney Joanna Weiss, who is supported by the pro-choice group EMILY’s List. EMILY’s List criticizes Min’s association with the Federalist Society, citing the organization’s role in supporting anti-abortion measures.
Min’s frontrunner status in the race for the Democratic nomination in the swing seat of the 47th Congressional District has come under scrutiny due to his recent arrest for driving under the influence. Some California Democrats worry that this incident weakens Min as a candidate compared to Weiss.
Min’s supporters believe that these criticisms are thinly veiled attempts by national groups to push aside an Asian-American candidate who made a one-time mistake. They also raise concerns about Weiss’ ties to the private sector and representation of companies accused of mistreating workers.
Both Min and Weiss have responded to the attacks through their campaigns. Weiss highlights her commitment to ethics, paying opportunity forward, and her pro bono legal work with domestic violence survivors and students with special needs. Min’s campaign defends his progressive record, citing his work in Democratic policy circles and high ratings from Planned Parenthood and NARAL as a state senator.
The debate surrounding Min’s involvement with the Federalist Society and his recent arrest for driving under the influence may impact some Democrats’ opinion of him. Former Rep. Harley Rouda (D-Calif.), who withdrew from the race, has endorsed Weiss and called on Min to drop out. Trustee Lorraine Prinsky also switched her endorsement from Min to Weiss, citing his arrest as a factor.
Ultimately, Min’s ideological credentials and recent arrest may be important factors for voters in the Democratic primary, especially considering Weiss’ previous support for Min’s campaign.