FRESNO (KMJ/AP) — Neither of the two front-runners for California’s U.S. Senate seat have been endorsed by the California Democratic Party, and it could force them both to step outside the usual campaign trail in order to win votes.
Current U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein went up against California’s Senate leader Kevin De Leon at the convention on Saturday. Feinstein won 37% of the delegates’ votes and De Leon won 54% of the delegates’ votes: 60% is needed to win their collective backing ahead of the primary in June.
“If you look at Feinstein over the years she hasn’t really been attentive to the populous. We don’t feel, in terms of the Central Valley, that she’s given adequate attention to us,” explained Chair of Fresno County Democratic Party Michael Evans.
“When she comes to the area she doesn’t meet with the voters, isn’t in the rural areas, and it’s been the same at the party level.”
Kevin De Leon has been portraying himself forward as a fresh face for the U.S. Senate seat, with a more progressive outlook towards immigration.
“I think De Leon has been out front on that issue. He’s a solid progressive in the legislature. I think because of the immigration issues in particular, we’re going to see a strong advantage for all of the Latino candidates on the ballot.”
Having the endorsement does help secure extra funds and endorsements. Without it there is no clear advantage.
“One of the candidates is going to be trying to appeal to Republican voters,” added Evans. “Because we haven’t had a significant Republican in the state-wide races in some time. Some Democrats are going try and siphon off support thinking that will be what gets them over the top.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
