California Dems Just Changed the Game in the Senate and Gov. Race

The California Senate race just got a lot more competitive with state Senate Leader Kevin de León winning the support of 54% of delegates at the state party convention this weekend, just short of the 60% needed to secure the party’s endorsement. Incumbent Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) received only 37% of the votes. The results, a sign of unrest among many liberals who believe 85-year-old Feinstein should do more to challenge Donald Trump, are a likely testament to de León’s insurgent message resonating with the party’s activist left flank. “The outcome of today’s endorsement vote is an astounding rejection of politics as usual,” de León said in a statement. “We all deserve a leader who will take our climate action to Washington and will fight each and every day to protect our human and civil rights, our immigrant families and Dreamers, champion universal healthcare and create good paying middle class jobs.” But Feinstein still has a cash advantage. The 25-year incumbent entered the year with more than $9.8 million in campaign funds; de León had just $359,261. Still, this showing at the party convention is definitely a game changer. No endorsement was also made in the governor’s race, which has a more crowded field of Democrats. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom led with 39% of the delegates, compared to 30% for State Treasurer John Chiang, 20% for former state schools chief Delaine Eastin, and just 9% for former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Candidates who scored endorsements include Dave Min, who’s running against Congresswoman Mimi Walters (R); Emilio Huerta, who’s looking to unseat Congressman David Valadao (R); and Ammar Campa-Najjar, who’s aiming to unseat embattled Congressman Duncan Hunter (R). More here.