Sen. Dave Min. (Photo: sd37.senate.ca.gov/)
State Senator Dave Min Arrested For Drunk Driving In Sacramento County
Min was released from Sacramento County Jail on Wednesday morning
By Evan Symon, May 3, 2023 11:12 am
Senator Dave Min (D-Orange County), a state Senator since 2020 and one of three main candidates currently vying for Congresswoman Katie Porter’s (D-CA) Congressional seat next year, was arrested Tuesday night in Sacramento County for drunk driving.
While details of the incident are yet to be known, including the circumstances of the incident, what his blood alcohol level was, and if he will contest the charge or not, it is known that on Tuesday night he was pulled over by police on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Min was arrested, charged with a misdemeanor for driving under the influence, and sent to Sacramento County Jail. On Wednesday morning he was released, with further action, including a court appearance, likely to occur in the near future.
While his Congressional campaign has yet to comment on the incident, Min himself wrote of the incident on social media on Wednesday, apologizing for his crime, taking full responsibility for what he did.
“Last night I was cited for a misdemeanor for driving under the influence,” Min said on social media on Wednesday. “My decision to drive last night was irresponsible. I accept full responsibility and there is no excuse for my actions. To my family, constituents and supporters, I am so deeply sorry. I know I need to do better. I will not let this personal failure distract from our work in California and in Washington.”
Min first entered the world of politics in the early 2000’s. Following a stint as a staff attorney at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Min became the Senate Banking Committee Counsel for Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) in Washington, and later, the Counsel and senior policy advisor to the United States Congress Joint Economic Committee. However, he returned to California in the late 2000’s to become an assistant law professor at UC Irvine.
Min’s DUI and the 2024 47th District Congressional race
In 2018, Min reentered politics and ran for the then 45th House District due to disagreements over former President Trump’s immigration policies. However, this proved to be short-lived. Following Min causing a huge stir at the Democratic state convention over who the party should nominate for the race and barely getting their endorsement over Katie Porter, he lost the Primary that June to eventual winner Porter and Republican Congresswoman Mimi Walters, becoming one of the few Democrats to get the support of the party yet still lose in the primary during the 2018 blue wave election.
In 2020, after beating Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley in the primary, Min narrowly defeated then Senator John Moorlach for the 37th District Senate seat by just over 12,000 votes, 51% to 49%. In his two years in the Senate, Min has had mixed success with legislation in the Senate. While he has had some success on more social and environmental bills, such as getting a bill that will make all autonomous cars in California be electric by 2030 get passed in 2021, many of his higher-profile bills have failed, such as his numerous attempts to stop off-shore oil and gas drilling being blocked by the combination of Republicans, unions, and numerous Californian companies.
In January, following Congresswoman Porter’s decision to run for Dianne Feinstein’s U.S. Senate seat early, Min became the third major candidate to enter the 2024 Orange County 47th District congressional race. Currently he is facing off against 2022 near-winner Scott Baugh (R) following former Congressman Harley Rouda (D) pulling out of the race last month. However, due to the DUI, that could change.
“He is a major liability now,” explained Malik Griffin, a Los Angeles polling analyst, to the Globe on Wednesday. “While people in office have gotten DUIs in the past, like former Senator Ben Hueso in 2014, this isn’t exactly an entirely forgivable offense. There is a silver lining in that he was transparent and took responsibility for it immediately, you got to give him that, but the fact that he did it is bad. And we don’t even know the circumstances yet. If other people were involved or something, it could be a lot worse.”
“But right now, the Democrats have to be rethinking this guy. Any opponent, especially Baugh, now have a major ace up their sleeve. Or, depending on he circumstances as more details come out, they may have several. Democrats really want to keep this seat as it’s one of the most vulnerable in the country. And having a guy with a DUI as a sitting state Senator is a real shot to the foot.”
More details of the DUI, as well as further statements by Min, are expected soon.
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October 27, 2020 -
I would like to see Min as part of a work crew dressed in yellow vests picking up trash. Good clean work.
Hmm… another CA Democrat who cannot take personal responsibility for his PERSONAL actions, let alone legislate in a responsible manner…
Hey Min, we’re tired of your worn-out bromides about “I’m sorry, I was irresponsible, I’ll do better next time and won’t let this personal failure keep me from doing the important work blah blah blah…”
Does the DNC have a template that they use for all of these losers in a lame attempt to cover up their lack of good judgement ???
I recently read your article regarding the arrest of State Senator Dave Min for drunk driving in Sacramento County, and I felt compelled to respond. The news of a public official being involved in such an incident is indeed concerning and raises important questions about personal responsibility and the trust we place in our elected representatives.
Instances like these remind us of the importance of holding our elected officials to a high standard of conduct. As public servants, they have a responsibility to act with integrity and make decisions that prioritize the well-being and safety of the communities they serve. Drunk driving is a serious offense that puts not only the driver but also innocent lives at risk.
It is essential that the legal process takes its course and that Senator Min is held accountable for his actions. The consequences of drunk driving can be severe, and it is crucial that everyone, regardless of their position, faces the legal repercussions of their choices. Moreover, incidents like this should serve as a reminder to society about the dangers of driving under the influence and the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts.
While it is disheartening to see a public official involved in such a situation, it is my hope that this incident serves as an opportunity for Senator Min to reflect upon his actions, take responsibility, and work towards making amends. It is important for public figures to not only acknowledge their mistakes but also actively engage in efforts to address the issue and educate others about the dangers of drunk driving.
As citizens, we have the right to expect accountability and transparency from our elected representatives. It is essential that incidents like this are thoroughly investigated, and appropriate actions are taken to ensure public trust is upheld. We must also remember that this incident does not define the entirety of Senator Min’s career, and it is important to evaluate his overall record and commitment to public service.
Ultimately, this situation serves as a reminder that our elected officials are human and susceptible to making mistakes. However, it is how they handle those mistakes, take responsibility, and work towards making amends that truly matters. I hope that Senator Min learns from this experience and uses it as an opportunity for personal growth and to reinforce his dedication to serving the public.