CA-53: Gloves come off as Democrats fight for House seat in California

[RandySF]

The race between two progressive Democrats to occupy an open seat in California is turning abrasive and expensive, resurfacing pent-up frustrations by Hispanics about the challenges they face when running for office.

San Diego City Council President Georgette Gómez is facing off against Sara Jacobs, an heiress to the Qualcomm fortune in the race in the 53rd District to replace retiring Rep. Susan Davis (D-Calif.).

Hispanics are rallying around Gómez amid growing frustration that Latino candidates face tougher odds in gaining statewide office, though Jacobs is avidly courting statewide support as she pitches herself as a young candidate for change.

While Hispanics comprise more than 17 percent of the U.S. population, only 43 members of the House of Representatives, just under 10 percent of the total membership, are Hispanic.

Meanwhile, California currently has elected 11 Latinos to the House out of 53 seats, in a state where around 40 percent of the population is Hispanic.



https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/500056-gloves-come-off-as-democrats-fight-for-house-seat-in-california

[bottomofthehill]

1. Not trying to stir the pot here

But if Puerto Rico was a state with about 5 members based on its population, that would put the numbers almost right on spot. I believe they are used in the count to bring the number to 14 percent but they have no representation.

Statehood would also Likely bring 2 Hispanic senators to the US Senate.

Statehood Now.