“Democrats in disarray!” in the 45th district
Democrats’ ‘lack of joy’ when it comes to their primary in California’s 45th district burst into view yesterday.
National Journal covered the chaos and “disarray,” which they said “is emblematic of the bigger problems Democrats are having in this Orange County district.”
In case you missed it…
Our Call
National Journal Hotline
James A. Downs
August 11, 2023
It’s a cliché as old as time—Democrats in disarray!—but at least in CA-45 there’s some truth in the hackneyed expression. Aditya Pai sent out an email announcing the suspension of his campaign, only to say hours later he was not dropping out. The initial email said Pai was not having fun and was doing some soul-searching, but the subsequent message several hours later said that he has decided to stay in the race amid a campaign reboot. It’s a bad look for Pai that is emblematic of the bigger problems Democrats are having in this Orange County district. The leading Democratic fundraiser last quarter raised $170,000, and no frontrunners have emerged in a should-be competitive seat. Rep. Michelle Steel is one of 18 Republicans in Biden-won districts but is lapping the field in cash, raising $1.2 million last quarter and over $2 million for the cycle. Until Democrats can gather some momentum, this district stays leaning Republican.