This election cycle, California’s 47th Congressional District race is a close competition between candidates Republican Scott Baugh and Democratic State Senator Dave Min. These candidates have the potential to sway the battleground race, as both parties see this as a keystone for securing power in Congress.
Introducing candidates
Baugh served as minority leader for the California Assembly’s 62nd District in 1995, left office in 2000 and is trying to return. Having attended Liberty University and McGeorge School of Law, Baugh focuses on critical issues such as economic growth and public safety.
Min ran to represent California’s 45th District in 2018 but was defeated in the primary by U.S. Representative Katie Porter. He attended the Wharton School of Business and Harvard Law School.
Scott Baugh’s Stance on key issues
Baugh’s campaign focuses on rolling back taxes, improving border security and addressing addiction, according to his congressional campaign.
The campaign website claims that reducing taxes is essential for stimulating economic growth. Baugh wants to attempt to roll back gas taxes to help families mitigate increasing inflation and cost of goods and services as well as enable businesses to reinvest in their operations, according to Ballotpedia.
In terms of border security and the influx of illegal immigrants into the United States, Baugh has claimed that he will tighten borders by expediting and overhauling legal immigration, saying that it is for the safety of the nation.
Finally, Baugh’s campaign addresses how he will sponsor legislation that increases penalties for hard drug-use following his brother’s death of a fentanyl overdose. He claims to want to work with Democrats and Republicans alike in Congress who will work with him to fight the ongoing drug crisis.
Dave Min’s Stance on key issues
Min is the only candidate in the CA-47 race rated 100% by the Sierra Club, reflecting his dedication to passing legislation for climate action and environmental protection, according to Dave Min for Congress. For instance, he has authored the first law to initiate the “30 by 30” environmental goals, which entail preserving 30 percent of the country’s open spaces by 2030.
The campaign website Dave Min for Congress also said that he is rated 100% by Planned Parenthood since he supports women making their own reproductive healthcare decisions and the federal codification of Roe v. Wade.
On the other hand, Min has received an F-rating from the National Rifle Association (NRA) due to his belief in gun control and his authorship of bills preventing gun violence, such as those that banned the gun shows at the Orange County Fairgrounds.
Concluding remarks
Baugh and Min are two candidates who could significantly influence the political atmosphere of the Congress during the next term. The 47th District is particularly crucial for Irvine residents because the district constitutes the whole city.
