Democrat accused of DRUNK behind the wheel: Candidate in key California race apologizes for ‘irresponsible’ decision to drive
A California Democratic MP hoping to win a seat in Congress has confessed to being arrested for drunk driving.
Dave Min, a 47-year-old California state senator, was detained by police in Sacramento on Tuesday night after driving his Toyota Camry through a red light with his headlights off.
The Harvard law graduate, who hopes to win the battlefield of Orange County’s 47th precinct, admitted to being detained and booked by officers overnight.
Min hopes to win a seat in Washington in the next election, but faces stiff competition from a host of challengers
“Last night I got a ticket for driving under the influence. My decision to ride last night was irresponsible,” Min wrote on social media.
“I accept full responsibility and there is no excuse for my actions. To my family, voters and supporters, I am so deeply sorry.
“I know I have to do better. I will not let this personal failure distract from our work in California and Washington.”
Police had conducted a DUI test and arrested him on suspicion of driving with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit. The results have not been released.
“The officers contacted the driver of the vehicle and noted signs and symptoms of alcohol intoxication,” the police report said.
“The officers performed a driving under the influence [DUI] investigation and determined that the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol,” it concluded.
Ben Petersen, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, expressed hope in the Democratic election.
“Voters will rightly question David Min’s judgment after this incident, but will California Democrats?” he asked.
Min, a former aide to US Senator Chuck Schumer, is in the running to replace outgoing Congresswoman Katie Porter.
Min apologized to voters and his family in social media mea culpa after being arrested for a DUI violation
Min was seen as a front runner to replace outgoing Katie Porter, who is aiming for a tilt in the US Senate
She gave up her seat to run for the Senate in Washington and supported Min as her possible successor.
Porter barely squeezed through to victory in 2022 with 51.5% of the vote, making it a close battle with the Republicans.
Min will run against former Republican state councilor Scott Baugh, Democrat Joanna Weiss and Republican Max Ukropina for the purple district seat, among others.
Ukropina, a local businessman, said it was “incredibly disappointing to see career politicians behaving like this while representing us in Sacramento.”
“It’s another reminder that Orange County deserves new leadership, which is why I’m running for Congress,” he said in a statement.
Toni Atkins, the current acting president of the California Senate, declined to comment on whether Min would face disciplinary action.
“Like Senator Min, we are disappointed in his actions, but glad he took responsibility and apologized,” she said.