Congressman Jimmy Gomez has faced a number of younger, more aggressive challengers for the 34th Congressional District, but this year, he is seeking a sixth term in Congress while facing a House Ethics Committee investigation into sexual misconduct allegations.
In August, the House Ethics Committee announced that it was reviewing allegations that Gomez “may have engaged in sexual misconduct in violation of the Code of Official Conduct,” including “engaging in inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer.”
Gomez acknowledged in a statement that he had made “personal mistakes outside my marriage” but said his actions were consensual and did not violate the law or House ethics rules. He also pledged to cooperate with the investigation.
The ethics probe may give challenger Angela Gonzales-Torres an opening to call for “change” in Congress, particularly in the 34th Congressional District.
Who is Angela Gonzales-Torres?
Gonzales-Torres, a Los Angeles native and community advocate, is seeking to unseat the five-term incumbent with a progressive platform focused on economic security, housing and health care.
She previously served on the Highland Park Neighborhood Council and worked in the Los Angeles mayor’s office. She has also served as a regional representative on Metro’s Public Safety Advisory Committee.
Gonzales-Torres received about 30% of the vote in the June primary, finishing second to Gomez, who received about 46%. The two Democrats advanced to the November runoff.
In the wake of the ethics investigation, Gonzales-Torres has criticized Gomez and called for change in Washington.
“Los Angeles deserves real representation and respect,” she said, arguing that the district needs a leader who reflects the courage of its residents.
Angela Gonzales-Torres’ campaign platform
Gonzales-Torres has called for a range of progressive policies, including Medicare for All, affordable housing, free child care and the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
She has also called for an end to corporate political spending, including abolishing super PACs, and has advocated taxing billionaires.
Her campaign has drawn support from progressive organizations, including the Democratic Socialists of America’s Los Angeles chapter and Justice Democrats. She has also received endorsements from Los Angeles City Controller Kenneth Mejia and David Kim, both of whom previously challenged Gomez for the congressional seat.
What is Jimmy Gomez campaigning on?
Gomez describes himself as a “proven progressive champion.” His campaign highlights priorities including environmental equity, student debt relief and protecting abortion rights.
He has received endorsements from prominent Democrats, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
The ethics investigation has added a new dimension to a race that also features disagreements over corporate political spending, campaign contributions, housing and health care.
Whether the allegations will affect the outcome remains uncertain. The investigation is ongoing, and its findings and the candidates’ campaigns will be important developments to watch before Election Day.