According to law enforcement and jail records, a candidate for Congress from Southern California was arrested on Tuesday night for suspected drunken driving. The Democrat, Senator Dave Min, who is running in the highly contested 47th congressional district, acknowledged in a Facebook post that he had been charged with a misdemeanor for driving under the influence. Min was detained by the California Highway Patrol and then released on Wednesday morning. It is uncertain whether he will have to attend a court hearing.
“My decision to drive last night was irresponsible. I accept full responsibility and there is no excuse for my actions. To my family, constituents and supporters, I am so deeply sorry. I know I need to do better. I will not let this personal failure distract us from our work in California and in Washington,” Min posted.
A DUI should result in the immediate removal from office. If you are unable to demonstrate a modicum of self control, or don’t have the sense to call an Uber, you have no business leading.https://t.co/lfunEv2fC0
— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) May 3, 2023
A representative for Min’s Senate office chose not to provide a statement.
The Orange County congressional contest is expected to be among the most competitive races in 2024, and Min’s arrest prompted the National Republican Congressional Committee to denounce his candidacy. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee did not reply to an email requesting a comment. According to a police report, Min was taken into custody around 10:50 p.m. near the Capitol after he was found driving without headlights and subsequently ran a red light.
Numerous state legislators opt to spend the night in Sacramento during the week instead of returning to their districts.
Senator Dave Min is running for the highly competitive congressional position in Orange County, currently held by Democratic Representative Katie Porter, who is departing to enter a contest to replace retiring Senator Dianne Feinstein. Min, who has garnered Porter’s endorsement, is the primary Democrat in the race, while former Republican Assemblyman Scott Baugh is also vying for the seat. Min is a Harvard-educated lawyer who previously served as a congressional aide to Senator Chuck Schumer and was elected to the state Senate in 2020. He is also the chair of the Senate’s Natural Resources and Water Committee.
