California Democratic Party delegates meeting in Long Beach on Saturday endorsed San Diego City Council President Georgette Gómez in California’s 53rd congressional district.
Gómez won endorsement by the party’s grassroots delegates with 75% of the vote, beating out former Obama administration staff member Sara Jacobs in the race to succeed retiring 10-term Rep. Susan Davis. Jacobs ran unsuccessfully for Congress in the 49th District in 2018.
“Earning the endorsement of the Democratic Party is more than an honor — it’s a clear signal that Democrats are united behind our campaign to get the focus in Washington back on the priorities that matter to working people,” said Gómez after the vote. “My life’s work has been fighting for fairness and opportunity for San Diego’s working families, and that’s what my campaign for Congress is all about.”
Party delegates tend to endorse the most progressive of competing Democratic candidates. At a previous convention, delegates favored state Sen. Kevin de León in his left-flank challenge to veteran Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who nevertheless won re-election 54% to 46%.
If elected in November, Gómez would be the first LGBTQ Latina member of Congress.
The 53rd District encompasses much of central San Diego County, including the City Council district that Gómez currently represents.