California’s 53rd Congressional District: A Crowded 2020 Primary

Congresswoman Susan Davis announced her retirement right after Labor Day, surprising local observers and setting off a mad dash among local politicos interested in serving in one of the Bluest of the Blue Congressional Districts in Southern California.

Hillary Clinton carried the 53rd Congressional District by 35 points in 2016. Incumbent Davis won reelection for her tenth term in 2018 by 38 points.

As I’m putting this story to bed, UCSD Professor Tom Wong has announced that he’s suspending his campaign. Now there are 14 candidates left competing for votes in the March 2020 primary; ten Democrats, three Republicans, and one No Party Preference.

Given the sheer number of candidates, it’s difficult at this point to dig deeply into differences in policy advocacy outside of the generally accepted positions of the political party (or lack thereof) candidates have positioned themselves with.

There are two upcoming events where some or all of the candidates will be appearing. 

The La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club’s monthly meeting (Tonight! Wednesday, January 8, 6:30pm at the La Mesa Community Center) is hosting a forum where most of the Democrats will have time to introduce themselves and given an elevator pitch.

Several Indivisible chapters (including the one I volunteer with) are having a forum at the same location in La Mesa on Sunday, January 12, featuring Jose Caballero, Janessa Goldbeck, Georgette Gomez, Sarah Jacobs, and Joacquin Vasquez. 

It is being moderated by Times of San Diego Editor Chris Jennewein, who will be including questions submitted by those who RSVP’d by Tuesday. The two hour long format should allow candidates to get some depth into explaining their positions.

I’m told there is limited seating still available. RSVP strongly suggested. Doors open at 4:30.   UPDATE: It is sold out. There is a waitlist.

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I have a few impressions about various candidates (in alphabetical order) and will attempt to keep this post short enough so people will actually read through to the end. Please visit their websites and social media for more information.

Democrat John Brooks is a retired Interior Department employee. He was the first Afican American to graduate from the University of Montana with a degree in wildlife biology. His website displays a high level of awareness about climate change, the need to adapt to rapidly developing workplace technologies (including universal basic income), and the corrosive impact of dark money in politics. That said, the website is often short on specifics, and the section on how we vote in California is error-ridden. (Unless I’ve somehow missed getting my finger marked with ink for all these years.)

John Brooks
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Jose Caballero is the Berniecrat (in the best sense of the word) in this bunch. While he’s a vocal supporter of the Green New Deal and other progressive proposals, it’s his Hero's Promise that sets him apart. He’s proposing a seven point bill of rights focused on active duty military and veterans. Jose is a young Navy veteran and longtime local activist. Don’t let that baby-face fool ya. I saw his performance at a meet and greet and was impressed with the depth of his knowledge on a broad range of topics and his non-cookie-cutter ideas for specific policies.

Jose Caballero
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Joseph Fountain is a special education teacher; some sources list him as No Party Preference, the Democratic Party website says he’s one of them. His website includes positions on three issues: “Complete Federal Legalization of Recreational Marijuana, Immigration-No Person is Illegal, and End Federal With holding of Income Taxes.”

Joseph Fountain
Website | Facebook | Twitter

No Party Preference candidate Fernando Garcia is a small business owner of the green economy (solar) persuasion.  HIs takes on healthcare, immigration, guns, the green economy, the drug war and student debt seem to be hybrids of liberal and liberatarian policies. 

Fernando Garcia
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Janessa Goldbeck is (in no particular order) a Democrat, an ex-Marine, a policy wonk, and an out, queer woman, born and raised in San Diego. Though her persona is much different, my impression of her as a candidate is that she’s the Elizabeth Warren of San Diego politics. You name it, she’s got a plan for it, with lots of smart specifics. Although she doesn’t have the name recognition of some other candidates, Goldbeck has connections; within days of declaring her intentions, she had some serious cash in the bank and has hired professionals to run her campaign.

Janessa Goldbeck
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Georgette Gomez is a Democrat and the first LGBTQ Latina elected San Diego City Council President.  For somebody who just a few years ago was considered a political outsider, she’s done an amazing job of rounding up endorsements, including the official blessing of the local Democratic Party. Her stated priorities for a congressional term include supporting Medicare for All, expanding affordable housing, reducing homelessness, investing in public transit and infrastructure, championing clean air and water, defending immigrants’ rights and fighting for more federal funding for San Diego communities.

Georgette Gomez
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Democrat Sarah Jacobs emerged on people’s radar in 2018 with a surprisingly strong finish as a candidate in the 49th Congressional District. Her experience includes positions at the U.S. State Department during the Obama Administration, UNICEF, and the United Nations. In 2016 Jacobs was a policy advisor to Secretary Hillary Clinton during her 2016 campaign for president. Based on my experiences hearing her campaigning, she’s familiar with how DC works and aligned with progressive policy positions. She is the granddaughter of Qualcomm co-founder Irwin Jacobs. 

Sarah Jacobs
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Eric Kutner bills himself as a moderate Democrat with experience in getting support for causes across the political spectrum. His website says Eric is a policy and strategy consultant known for having an unusual breadth of experience with depth of knowledge and experience in numerous areas such as national security, education, health care, business, science and technology.

Eric Kutner
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Annette Meza wants voters to know she’s a homegrown candidate, a Latina educator born and raised in the district. She’s proud to call herself a Christian Democrat who favors a green new deal “that all parties can agree on,” medicare for all, affordable higher education/vocational training, and veteran wellness.

Annette Meza
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Michael Oristian is one of three Republicans in the race. His web site describes him as  a “successful entrepreneur and entertainer — who's held true to the conservative ideals of liberty.” Those ideas include repealing the ACA, including political ideology in equal employment opportunity laws, and supporting charter schools. The local GOP has not endorsed in this race.

Michael Oristian
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Chula Vista Republican Famela Ramos is a hospice nurse and anti-abortion activist. She initially filed to run against incumbent congressman Scott Peters, but switched district contests after Rep. Susan Davis announced her retirement. Ramos ran an unsuccessful campaign in November 2018 for Area 3 of the Chula Vista Elementary Board of Education. She was also in the news for organizing a rally in support of now-convicted Rep Duncan Hunter in July, 2019.

Famela Ramos
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Suzette Santori is a Democrat active in environmental causes. The retired Navy veteran says she believes in climate change, ending manufactured wars, immigration reform, earning a living wage, college and university tuition free, gun control, and Medicare for All.

Suzette Santori
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Republican Chris Stoddard is a Marine combat veteran who now sells real estate for a living. He does not toe the line on some GOP orthodoxy, saying he supports a woman’s right to choose, and believes “we are destroying our planet and there won’t be anything left for my grandchildren.”  

Chris Stoddard
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Joaquín Vazquez is a Democrat with a compelling story to tell, having watched his father be taken away by immigration authorities, started working at age 10, experiencing homelessness, and overcoming obstacles to get an education. His stance on issues is solidly progressive, including support for Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, with a comprehensive approach to immigration reform. Another Obama administration alum.

Joaquín Vazquez
Website | Facebook | Twitter

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