A California Democrat running to replace Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) in the House as she vies for a Senate seat apologized on Wednesday for drunk driving.
“Last night I was cited for a misdemeanor for driving under the influence,” state Sen. Dave Min said in a post on Facebook. “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,” he added. “I know I need to do better. I will not let this personal failure distract from our work in California and in Washington.”
The Los Angeles Times reported the Sheriff’s Department confirmed that the California Highway Patrol arrested Min, and records show he was released from Sacramento County jail on Wednesday.
Min, a former business law professor at UC Irvine, lost a 2018 primary bid for the U.S. House seat that Porter went on to win that year in the midst of a heated campaign. Min then ran and got elected to the state Senate in 2020.
Shortly after Porter announced in January a campaign to succeed Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), who does not plan to seek re-election, Min declared his candidacy for Porter’s seat in Orange County.
Min’s campaign website touts the state senator’s legislative record featuring bills focused on “bold and aggressive gun violence prevention,” the climate, and more.
“A first-generation Korean-American, Dave is running for Congress to create a better California for the children of Orange County — one that reflects our core values of diversity, tolerance, and opportunity that drew his parents and millions of others like them to this country in search of a better life,” the website notes. “Dave isn’t afraid to take on Trumpian Republicans and their dangerous policies, and works tirelessly every day to create an economy and community that uplift Orange County families.”
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Porter endorsed Min to replace her, saying Min has “proven that he can win in this area while delivering on a progressive agenda with real results.”
Besides Porter, two other prominent House Democrats — Reps. Adam Schiff and Barbara Lee — have announced campaigns to replace Feinstein in the Senate.
A number of people have announced campaigns for Porter’s seat in the 2024 race. Among them is former state Assembly member Scott Baugh, a Republican. Another contender had been former Rep. Harley Rouda (D-CA), but he announced last month that he was ending his bid to get back into Congress because of a brain injury.