The congressional delegation of Orange County has taken different routes to reach Washington, D.C. Some members, such as Lou Correa, Young Kim, and Michelle Steel, had prior experience in elected office. On the other hand, Mike Levin, Katie Porter, and Linda Sánchez did not have previous political experience.
According to the Congressional Research Service, about 20% of House members are newcomers to politics, lacking any experience as public servants or elected officials at any level. The UC Irvine political science professor, Danielle Thomsen, emphasizes that experienced candidates generally have a higher chance of winning because they have run successful campaigns in the past and have a record and campaign team to lean on.
The balanced split within Orange County’s delegation could reflect the competitive nature of the race for the 47th congressional district. In this affluent coastal district, only two out of the several contenders have held prior elected office.
Scott Baugh, who is running for Katie Porter’s seat, served as the Republican leader in the state Assembly and chair for the county GOP. Baugh believes that his collective experience has allowed him to understand and connect with a diverse range of people, which is crucial when running for office.
Another candidate, Dave Min, became a state senator in 2020 without previous elected office experience. However, his work in policy for other elected officials, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, has prepared him to legislate at a higher level. Min believes that his understanding of policy nuances and stakeholder engagement sets him apart.
Min’s DUI conviction is considered a potential obstacle that might impact his chances in the race. However, he emphasizes his honesty and transparency as qualities that voters can rely on.
Both Baugh and Min agree that prior experience in holding office provides numerous benefits. Voters gain confidence in candidates who have a track record of action and trustworthiness.
Stephen Stambough, a political science professor at Cal State Fullerton, suggests that an “outsider” status can be advantageous if the candidate positions their campaign as an indictment of the existing system. Max Ukropina, a Republican businessman focused on addressing inflation, criticizes “reckless spending” by D.C. politicians and offers a data-driven approach based on his business background.
Similarly, Joanna Weiss, a Democratic community organizer, emphasizes the need for leaders who have faced real-life challenges and demonstrate good judgment and a moral compass.
Even among inexperienced candidates, some have a better shot than others. Thomsen notes that candidates like Porter, Sanchez, and Levin, who went straight to Congress without passing through local or state elected offices, had careers in law. This gives them early fundraising advantages through lawyer connections and networks.
Weiss is making strides by posting strong fundraising numbers and securing endorsements from progressive groups like EMILY’s List. Through these efforts, she is establishing legitimacy without prior elected office experience.
Ultimately, Thomsen emphasizes that prior experience does matter in building successful coalitions and earning trust from voters. However, recent elections in CA-47 have shown that non-politicians can be elected to the seat, as seen with Harley Rouda defeating Republican incumbent Rep. Dana Rohrabacher in 2018.
In conclusion, the path to Washington, D.C., varies among Orange County’s congressional delegation. While prior experience in elected office can provide advantages, newcomers to politics also have opportunities to succeed based on their unique qualifications and fundraising efforts.
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