This year's crop of incumbent California Republican House members seeking reelection offers a picture of dichotomy when it comes to the LGBTQ community. The half dozen that has been endorsed by out GOPers all have failing grades when it comes to their voting on LGBTQ federal issues.
The political action committee for Log Cabin Republicans, the political group for conservative LGBTQs aligned with the GOP, endorsed six incumbents from the Golden State running to keep their congressional seats come November 5. One hails from the Central Valley, Congressmember David Valadao (R-Hanford), who is facing a tough challenge for his District 22 seat in Kings County and parts of Tulare and Kern counties from Democratic former state assemblymember Rudy Salas.
The other five all hail from Southern California. They include Congressmember Ken Calvert (R-Corona), who is facing a strong challenge for his 41st Congressional District seat that now includes the LGBTQ mecca of Palm Springs from gay former federal prosecutor Will Rollins. It is a rematch of their 2022 campaign in which Rollins came close to defeating the long-serving Calvert, first elected to the House in 1992.
Congressmember Mike Garcia (R-Santa Clarita) is fending off a strong bid by Democratic businessman George Whitesides for his District 27 seat north of Los Angeles. In San Diego County, Congressmember Darrell Issa (R-Vista) is running against Democratic nurse Stephen Houlahan for his District 48 seat.
In nearby Orange County Congressmember Young Kim (R-Anaheim Hills) is being challenged by retired firefighter Joe Kerr (D) for her 40th District seat that also includes parts of Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Lastly, Congressmember Michelle Steel (R-Seal Beach) is facing a tough challenge for her 45th District seat from Democratic lawyer Derek Tran.
While Issa is seen as easily winning reelection, his five GOP colleagues are all in competitive races that could determine which party controls Congress' lower chamber next year. As such, they have received inordinate attention and money this election cycle.
In announcing its last batch of endorsements for the 2024 election, Log Cabin Republicans President Charles Moran noted the candidates "are dedicated to reclaiming and expanding" the Republicans' U.S. House majority. The GOP currently has 220 seats compared to the Democrat's total of 212 seats, with three additional seats currently vacant.
"Equipped with the resolve and experience to overturn the detrimental policies of the Biden-Harris administration, they are focused on getting our country back on track," stated Moran. "While diverse in their backgrounds, experiences, and skills, these endorsed candidates unite around a shared vision: expanding economic opportunities, lowering the cost of living, defending individual liberties, and ensuring the safety and security of all Americans."
Moran added, "They embody values that resonate within our LCR community, and we are confident they will make us proud as members of the 119th Congress."
Yet, in its 118th Congressional Scorecard released October 21, the Human Rights Campaign gave all six of the California GOP House incumbents backed by Log Cabin dismal scores when it came to measuring the federal lawmakers' support for LGBTQ+ equality. Out of a top score of 100, the sextet all received scores of fewer than 20 points.
Calvert and Steel both earned scores of 15. Kim, Garcia, and Valadao received scores of 12, while Issa garnered the lowest score at nine.
"The American people deserve leaders who rise above divide and conquer politics and keep the country moving forward," stated Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson in releasing the biennial scorecard. "However, even in the face of government shutdowns, House Republican leadership served up an unprecedented onslaught of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation as they attempt to turn back the progress our country has made toward full equality for LGBTQ+ people."
Campaigns receive LGBTQ support
Due to his being challenged by a gay opponent, Calvert's reelection bid is being closely followed by LGBTQ politicos. Both Rollins and Calvert have also been receiving strong support from their LGBTQ backers.
Log Cabin members have been helping to get out the vote on behalf of Calvert. It held a canvasing event earlier this month for the congressmember and several other GOP candidates from Riverside County.
"The Democrats think they can unseat our fantastic incumbents, but with your help, we can get our candidates across the finish line," predicted California Log Cabin Republicans Chair Lindsey Stetson.
Meanwhile, the Equality California Federal PAC, the congressional fundraising committee for the statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, has given Rollins' campaign $7,500 since December. And among the high-profile advocates lending their support to his candidacy has been Chasten Buttigieg, the husband of U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
"As you probably know, winning back the House majority will come down to just a few seats — and Will's race in CA-41 can tip the scales," noted Chasten Buttigieg in a recent emailed fundraising pitch. "Not only could this race determine the majority, but it could also send a message that voters are fed up with the division and bigotry fueled by folks like Ken Calvert, Will's opponent."
Due to how close the races are likely to be, it could be several days if not longer following Election Day before clear outcomes are known in the five competitive races with Log Cabin-endorsed GOP incumbents. It was almost two weeks following the 2022 election until Rollins officially conceded he had lost to Calvert as he held out hope additional returns would change the outcome of the race.
Keep abreast of the latest LGBTQ political news by following the Political Notebook on Threads @ https://www.threads.net/@matthewbajko.
Got a tip on LGBTQ politics? Call Matthew S. Bajko at (415) 829-8836 or email [email protected]
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