A group of House Democrats is accusing California Democrat Evan Low of violating campaign finance laws in his race against fellow Democrat Sam Liccardo in the 16th District.
The group of House Democrats — all of whom have endorsed Liccardo in the contentious Democrat-on-Democrat general election — wrote a letter arguing Low is improperly using state campaign funds to boost his federal election.
The Democrats, led by New Democrat Coalition Chair Annie Kuster (D-N.H.) and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.), cite an FEC complaint filed by Defend the Vote earlier this month.
Defend the Vote alleged Low “illegally used non-federal funds through his state campaign committee to pay for ads for his federal candidacy” and “failed to properly disclose donors to his state committee in a federal filing.” Defend the Vote is also backing Liccardo’s campaign.
Seizing upon this, the House Democrats wrote that Low’s “actions threaten the very foundation of the Federal Election Campaign Act and jeopardize the integrity of our federal elections.”
Low’s campaign has denied any wrongdoing, telling the San José Spotlight that the expenditures in question aren’t in support of his federal campaign and are simply educating his current state assembly constituents about his work in office.
The involvement of leading House Democrats in the race to succeed retiring Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) is the latest sign of turmoil in the 16th District campaign.
The election is pitting key Democratic factions against each other. Liccardo is backed by New Dem Action Fund, CHC BOLD PAC and the League of Conservation Voters. Low is endorsed by the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC, AAPI Victory Fund, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund and a number of unions.
Polling has shown Liccardo leading Low in the race.
