By maya C. Miller, CalMatters
This story was originally published by CalMatters.sign up for their newsletters.
California’s battleground House districts might get the lion’s share of national attention for their role in deciding which party rules Congress’s lower chamber.
but in a handful of California’s deep blue districts, an intra-party battle over the future of the Democratic Party is brewing in the wake of grim losses during last year’s presidential race.
In Sacramento, Napa County and Los Angeles, three younger challengers are arguing that Democrats need to give voters fresh faces with bold new ideas to energize the party’s base, rather than aging incumbents who are entrenched more in Washington insider culture than in their districts.
“Status quo politics isn’t going to protect our communities,” said Sacramento City Councilmember Mai vang, 40, who is running against 10-term Rep. doris Matsui, 81. “We need leaders who can meet the moment. And that’s why I decided to step into the ring.”
Vang is the first formidable primary challenge that Matsui has faced in the two decades since the congresswoman won her late husband’s seat in 2005. Former Rep. Bob matsui held that seat for 26 years prior.
Two other senior California congressional Democrats have also attracted primary challengers.Rep. Mike Thompson, 74, of Napa County, a Vietnam veteran vying for his 15th term, faces a challenge from Eric Jones, 34, a former San Francisco venture capitalist.
And farther south, former Obama and Biden White House climate aide Jake Levine, 41, is challenging Rep. Brad sherman, 71, of Los Angeles, who is seeking his 16th term. All three challengers have vowed not to take corporate PAC money as their incumbent opponents do.
Around California and across the country, younger challengers argue that Democratic incumbents in safe districts take their seats for granted since they so rarely receive serious challenges. That false sense of security, Vang said, results in out-of-touch members who have fewer incentives to show up in their districts and talk to voters.
part of meeting the current moment, Vang argues, means taking “bold and courageous” positions on vital issues, such as speaking out forcefully against the trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics.
Vang said she wants Matsui to more strongly condemn immigration raids that have torn Sacramento families apart and violated residents’ due process rights. She was disappointed that Matsui’s denunciations centered around the unsanitary conditions of the John E. Moss federal building, where advocates said detainees were being held without access to proper hygiene, rather than on the separation of families and indiscriminate detentions.
“For the past several months we’ve had neighbors, people in our community that have been kidnapped by ICE, taken by ICE, and Doris hasn’t spoken up against that at all,” Vang said. “And especially as someone who was born in the internment camps,I would think she would be on the front lines to speak out on the issues.”
Matsu
the Risk of dem-on-Dem Challenges
Table of Contents
Primary challenges within the Democratic party, where established incumbents face off against newer candidates, carry a potential risk: the loss of valuable institutional knowledge. This is particularly concerning given the unprecedented actions of recent administrations that have tested legal and political boundaries.
The Value of Experience
Gale Kaufman, a Democratic strategist based in Sacramento, emphasizes the importance of retaining experienced members of Congress. “Especially when you’re up against stuff like this, which we’re not familiar with, breaking every norm you could possibly imagine,” Kaufman said, “having some of those people around is not a bad thing.” This highlights the idea that navigating complex political landscapes frequently enough requires a deep understanding of legislative processes, historical precedents, and established relationships – knowledge that comes with time in office.
The concern isn’t simply about political experience, but about having individuals who understand how to respond to actions that deliberately challenge established norms. When administrations push the boundaries of power, experienced lawmakers are better equipped to recognize potential oversteps and formulate effective responses. Losing that experience could leave Congress vulnerable.
Not a Universal Sentiment Among Younger Democrats
While a push for new blood is common, there isn’t universal agreement among younger Democrats that incumbents should automatically be replaced. evan Cragin, president of the Sacramento county Young Democrats, shares Kaufman’s outlook, suggesting that a blanket policy of removing long-serving members could be detrimental.
Internal conflict and Considerations
Cragin acknowledges the internal conflict many younger Democrats face. “I don’t know who I’m going to vote for,” Cragin said. “It’s nice to have a strong member at the moment, but also, there is part of me that wants to make sure we support our younger members.” This illustrates a tension between valuing experience and fostering new leadership.The example of Councilmember Mai Vang, a strong challenger, demonstrates the appeal of supporting emerging political figures.
Key Takeaways
- Primary challenges within the Democratic party can lead to the loss of institutional knowledge.
- experienced lawmakers are better equipped to navigate unprecedented political challenges and defend against norm-breaking behavior.
- Younger Democrats are divided on whether to prioritize experience or support new leadership.
- there’s a recognized tension between the need for established expertise and the desire for fresh perspectives in Congress.