Rep. Linda Sanchez, chair of BOLD PAC, is taking sides in primary to succeed her
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Rep. Linda Sanchez speaks at the U.S. Capitol in May 2023. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.) is actively working to elect Monica Sánchez to Congress, backing her over former Rep. Hilda Solis — a onetime colleague from her early years in the House.
Why it matters: The 12-term Sánchez chairs BOLD PAC, the political arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, giving her endorsement outsized influence in Latino political circles, not to mention Southern California.
- Even though Linda Sánchez is endorsing in her personal capacity, her support is causing some consternation among Latino lawmakers and donors because of her official role at BOLD PAC.
- The CHC is divided on the race, with at least two other members endorsing Monica Sánchez, who is no relation to Linda Sánchez.
- Solis left Congress in 2009 to serve as President Obama's Labor secretary, and is now mounting a comeback bid
Zoom in: Sánchez currently represents California's 38th District — the seat both Monica Sánchez and Solis are seeking — giving her voice added weight.
- After redistricting shifted about half of CA-38 into neighboring CA-41, Sánchez opted to run in CA-41, currently held by Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.).
- She is now working to pick her successor, including sending mass text messages urging voters to support Monica Sánchez.
"It's Rep. Linda Sánchez. There's an open seat for Congress in California's 38th District, and it's important we elect the right Democrat. That leader is Dr. Monica Sánchez," one campaign text reads.
- "This seat matters. This race matters. Monica is the real deal — and she's ready to fight for us. I hope you'll join me in standing with her."
Between the lines: Vice President Kamala Harris would have carried the redrawn CA-38 by about 12 points. Under California's top-two system, the two highest vote-getters in the June 2 primary advance to the general election, regardless of party.
Zoom out: Solis served four terms in Congress before becoming Labor secretary, working closely with many current CHC members, including Sánchez.
- "I support Hilda," Rep. Chuy García (D-Ill.), a CHC member who worked with Solis while she was in the Cabinet, said.
- "My sense is that most of the California delegation does as well."
- With Sánchez, García added, "it gets a little granular" — driven largely by "local politics."
