A highly contested special election is underway in California’s 25th congressional district, a seat that was previously held by Democrat Katie Hill before she resigned at the hands of a sex scandal and a congressional ethics investigation. Assemblywoman Christy Smith (D) was presumed to take Hill’s seat, but GOP groups are putting up a fight. Navy veteran Mike Garcia is on the ballot for the GOP in the May 12th special election as the GOP hopes to flip the seat.
Smith is evidently unimpressed with Garcia’s military service credentials, as a clip from a recent Zoom event with Smith’s campaign shows:
So this is video of @ChristyforCA25 mocking her opponent’s military service.
— Congressional Leadership Fund (@CLFSuperPAC) April 27, 2020
- Brags about texting her staff to make fun of @MikeGarcia2020 during their debate
- Indicates she believes he has "no experience in international affairs"https://t.co/A7xP4ax5wR #CA25 #CApolitics pic.twitter.com/qTqyOJ1DO4
“Did you guys know he’s a pilot? That escaped me,” Smith sarcastically asked viewers.
When discussing a recent candidates’ forum for the special election, Smith continued to mock Garcia’s military service, on account of his background for the Zoom event:
“Okay, he’s got pictures of planes behind him. I’ve got Constitutional Law books,” Smith said.
A supporter present at the virtual event with Smith lamented that Garcia’s experience as a Navy fighter pilot gives him no credibility on international affairs, to which Smith nods in agreement.
Such elitist rhetoric transcends ideological differences; mocking an opponent’s military service, whether Republican or Democrat, is beneath someone seeking a Congressional seat. Cook Political Report currently rates the seat as a toss-up:
NEW at @CookPolitical: the 5/12 special election to replace former Rep. Katie Hill (D) in #CA25 moves from Lean D to Toss Up. https://t.co/dvpNdmbPhc
— Dave Wasserman (@Redistrict) April 10, 2020
Voters in California’s 25th Congressional District will vote on May 12th.