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Representative Katie Porter is from Fort Dodge, IA, and now resides in Irvine, CA. She is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2019. According to campaign materials, she is running for re-election to hold Republicans and their special interests in Washington accountable.
In Congress, Rep. Porter has played an instrumental role in advancing reforms that have helped American families have a fair economic opportunity by helping pass legislation to fight against abusive credit card fees. Towards the end of 2019, she gained a position on the Committee on Oversight and Reform due to her expert questioning style in Congressional hearings. She also sits on the Committee on Financial Services where she serves on the Consumer Protection and Financial Institutions, as well as the Investor Protection, Entrepreneurship, and Capital Markets subcommittees. Prior to Rep. Porter’s election to Congress, she was a law professor at UC Irvine and a consumer rights advocate, where she defended working families against predatory banking practices.
Rep. Porter is running against Greg Raths (R), Don Sedwick (R), Lisa Sparks, Rhonda Furin (R), Christopher J. Gonzales (R), Peggy Huang (R). According to recent election results, it's rare that Democrats win this seat. Porter's ability to flip this seat, her pledge to always put working-class families first, and her relationships with progressive partners, help to build progressive momentum and makes her the strong choice in this race.Last updated: 2023-04-05
Representative Katie Porter is from Fort Dodge, IA, and now resides in Irvine, CA. She is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2019. According to campaign materials, she is running for re-election to hold Republicans and their special interests in Washington accountable.
In Congress, Rep. Porter has played an instrumental role in advancing reforms that have helped American families have a fair economic opportunity by helping pass legislation to fight against abusive credit card fees. Towards the end of 2019, she gained a position on the Committee on Oversight and Reform due to her expert questioning style in Congressional hearings. She also sits on the Committee on Financial Services where she serves on the Consumer Protection and Financial Institutions, as well as the Investor Protection, Entrepreneurship, and Capital Markets subcommittees. Prior to Rep. Porter’s election to Congress, she was a law professor at UC Irvine and a consumer rights advocate, where she defended working families against predatory banking practices.
Rep. Porter is running against Greg Raths (R), Don Sedwick (R), Lisa Sparks, Rhonda Furin (R), Christopher J. Gonzales (R), Peggy Huang (R). According to recent election results, it's rare that Democrats win this seat. Porter's ability to flip this seat, her pledge to always put working-class families first, and her relationships with progressive partners, help to build progressive momentum and makes her the strong choice in this race.
Patrick O’Donnell
Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell is from Long Beach, CA. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2014. According to campaign materials, he is running to keep his seat because he understands the challenges his district faces and knows how to advocate on their behalf.
In the State Assembly, he has introduced and advanced legislation to increase access to quality education and improve working conditions for the people in his district. Assemblymember O’Donnell currently serves as Chair of the Education Committee and the Ports and Goods Movement Select Committee. He also sits on the Committees Retirement, Transportation, and Budget, and Public Education Prior to his election to the State Assembly, he worked as a teacher for nearly 20 years.
Assemblymember O’Donnell has progressive education and labor positions. That said, he is silent when it comes to protecting the environment and reforming our broken criminal justice system. He also voted against key progressive bills to increase access to affordable housing.
Assemblymember O’Donnell is being challenged by David W. Thomas (R). In 2019 Assemblymember O’Donnell scored a 58 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records. According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. Though we disagree with Assemblymember O’Donnell’s stance on the many issues named above, and know that a stronger progressive candidate would more accurately represent the 70th district, O’Donnell is the most progressive candidate on the ballot. That said, we encourage more progressive candidates, that will better reflect this community’s needs, to run in future cycles.