Congressmember Tony Cardenas announced his retirement this week. With his announcement came the news that he is endorsing Assemblymember Luz Rivas to take his seat. Filing for candidates to run has already started, causing some to wonder if Cardenas waited to announce so Rivas might avoid having any significant opponents.
And next up in the retirement game is Congresswoman Anna Eshoo. This week, she announced her retirement after 32 years in Congress. The San Jose Spotlight has a list of candidates who are rumored to replace her.
The California Democratic Party wrapped up their “endorsing convention” on Sunday without any big endorsements. The candidates for U.S. Senate fell short of the 60% support threshold needed to receive the endorsement. You can see the full list here.
Notable absences from the CDP convention: U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler, and Governor Gavin Newsom. Major players on the national stage were also absent as were big city mayors.
The 10 freeway in downtown Los Angeles opened in time for Monday commuters to sit in traffic on the 10, but it was certainly an improvement since the fire closed it on November 11. The reopening fanfare included Mayor Karen Bass, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Those standing around the water cooler are not absolutely sure an official announcement has been made, but it’s pretty safe to say that Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins is running for Governor.
California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks announced his candidacy for State Assembly. Assemblymember Jim Wood’s somewhat surprise announcement last week set off a scramble for his now-open seat. Buzz at the CDP convention centered around who would replace Hicks if he wins next November.
Again? No one reading Calpeek will be surprised to hear Sacramento Councilmember Sean Loloee is under investigation…again. According to the Sacramento Bee, Loloee is being investigated by the California Fair Political Practices Commission.
SAVE THE DATE: Governor Gavin Newsom is scheduled to debate Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday, 11/30/23. Those standing around the water cooler are not exactly interested in watching the debate, but we are curious about who actually does watch it. Until then, the Sacramento Bee has some insights here.