California Congressional District 53: Gomez City Council Experience Makes the Difference
Up is down: Antifa throws soup cans at cops, Georgette Gomez is somehow “old”, and some hippies are lining up behind Barbara Bry for mayor because she’s “opposing the establishment.”
Fortunately, not everything is so confusing in politics. Today I’ll try to make sense of the race to replace Congresswoman Susan Davis in District 53, where two progressives are vying for the job.
A couple of disclosures are in order. I live in the 53rd. I have met both candidates, like them on a personal level, and have had differences of opinion with them. The Indivisible groups I work with are sponsoring an upcoming debate between these candidates, and I want to make it clear that my opinions are mine only. (It’s my understanding that the local chapter I’m involved with will not be endorsing in this contest.)
A bunch of Council President Georgette Gomez’ constituents were unhappy upon learning of her intention to run for the D53 seat. Not because they didn’t think she would do well in congress; but because they were going to be losing one of the more effective voices at city hall.
When Congresswoman Susan Davis announced her retirement last September, no less than 19 people made moves to run for the seat. The Secretary of State’s certified list of candidates for the March 3 primary included 11 Democrats, 3 Republicans, and 1 No Party Preference.
Four candidates rose above the pack by election day, as measured by fundraising, endorsements, and media coverage: Janessa Goldbeck (D), Georgette Gomez (D), Sara Jacobs(D), Famela Ramos (R).
Goldberg was endorsed by the Union-Tribune. Gomez was endorsed by then-candidate Bernie Sanders as well as a majority of local/statewide elected officials, Jacobs had the blessing of California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and several high profile members of Congress, and Ramos had all the elected Republicans she could find.
The big difference in the campaign was money. Jacobs self-funded ($3.5m) and her grandparents (Irwin & Joan) dumped big bucks ($1.4m) into a PAC. She ended up with 29.1% of the vote.
Gomez’ donor contributions ($1.1m) and outside support ($.3m) were no match in terms of advertising purchases, but her name recognition and local backing won her second place (20%) and a spot in the general election.
If you look at each of the general election candidates’ stated positions on issues, you’ll be hard pressed to find daylight between the two platforms. Both Gomez and Jacobs have vocal supporters who claim their candidate to be the true progressive in the contest. I know, like, and trust activist supporters on both sides of this race.
My decision was based on experience, with the understanding that either candidate could do a good job in Washington representing the 53rd District.
Jacobs: “[Voters need] someone who has experience making and implementing policy at the federal level who understands all the levers of power that the federal government has to really offer San Diego — someone who is not going to take time to get their sea legs, but hit the ground running on day one and make sure San Diegans gets the representation they need as these incredibly important decisions are being made.” via San Diego Community News Group - Jacobs stresses readiness in campaign for congress
Gomez: “My values really are about justice, about making sure government is more inclusive about who we are and recognizes that,” she said. “Everything really stems from that. Everything that I’ve done as a community organizer, as public policy advocate has been to really try and transform the system to be more reflective of who we are.” via San Diego Community News Group - Gomez running as true blue progressive
Councilwoman Georgette Gomez was the underdog in her race to win the District 9 seat, winning over a candidate with many of the usual suspects in his corner. Having won the election, local expectations were not very high as to what she would accomplish.
She’s blown past those expectations, becoming Council President and Chairing the Metropolitan Transit System board. While she hasn’t won every battle, she’s given it a good effort, and demonstrated that she cares for her constituents. Finally, she can count… votes. That experience in representation makes her the better candidate, in my opinion.
UPDATE: Sad to say Gomez has been caught up in a $100,000 "mistake" on her income taxes over the past three years. I DID vote for her, now wish I didn't.
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Georgette Gomez
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Endorsements
Bio: Born in San Diego, raised in Barrio Logan. Parents were immigrants. Former associate director of the Environmental Health Coalition, led the Toxic Free Neighborhoods Campaign to protect kids from lead paint and keep polluting industries out of residential communities. Also has worked as a victims’ advocate for survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Education: Attended Serra High School, graduated from San Diego State University, BA in Environmental and Natural Resource Geography.
Relevant experience: Incumbent on San Diego City Council
A significant accomplishment: City council voted unanimously to appoint her as council president, giving her a seat on the board of directors of the San Diego Association of Governments.
Politics in a nutshell: Progresive
$$$$
Aggregate Fundraising Numbers for Georgette Gomez: $1,168,600.03
PAC Support: $279,970 - Committee for Hispanic Causes-BOLD PAC, Equality PAC
A sampling of links concerning Georgette Gomez
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Sarah Jacobs
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Endorsements
Bio: Raised in San Diego, worked with United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, UNICEF’s innovation unit, State Department’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations during the Obama administration. Joined Hillary Clinton presidential campaign in 2015, drafting foreign policy positions.
Education: Attended Torrey Pines High School, Columbia University;holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science & a Master of International Affairs degree in International Security Policy and Conflict Resolution.
Relevant experience: Founded San Diego for Every Child: The Coalition to End Child Poverty, worked in policy for the U.S. State Department, UNICEF, and the United Nations.
A significant accomplishment: Came out of nowhere to place third in 2018 race to replace Darrell Issa in the 49th Congressional District.
Politics in a nutshell: Progressive
$$$$
Aggregate Fundraising Numbers for Sara Jacobs: $3,574,041.58
PAC Support: $1,379,505 - Forward California
A sampling of links concerning Sara Jacobs:
Up Next: County Supervisors, the Biggie in San Diego
Voter Guide – You’ve Voted for President, what’s next?
I’ll be writing about many ballot measures and candidates between now and the end of September. That work will be condensed into a handy-dandy voter guide just in time for your mail-in ballots to arrive. I’m the guy who coordinated San Diego Free Press’s Voter Guides over the past decade, so this won’t be my first effort. Stay tuned.
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