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California's Legislature is one of many across the country dealing with claims of sexual misconduct against its members. ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images
California's Legislature is one of many across the country dealing with claims of sexual misconduct against its members.  (ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)
The California Report

Democrats Head Into Convention With Sexual Harassment Allegations Looming

The California Report

Democrats Head Into Convention With Sexual Harassment Allegations Looming

Katie Orr
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Legislative Democrats solved one problem Thursday when state Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) resigned following a sexual harassment investigation that found he "more likely than not" engaged in a pattern of sexual misbehavior.

But the issue isn't going away as Democrats head to their annual state party convention in San Diego this weekend.

Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens) has taken a leave of absence while sexual harassment claims against her are investigated.

Garcia, an outspoken member of the "We Said Enough" campaign in Sacramento, denies the charges and says her political opponents are trying to smear her. Garcia already has received the pre-endorsement of the California Democratic Party.

It's not clear whether she'll be able to hold on to it this weekend when the endorsements are finalized.

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An outside investigation into sexual harassment allegations against state Sen. Bob Hertzberg (D-Los Angeles) has been completed, though the results aren't yet known. Hertzberg is also up for re-election and has also received a pre-endorsement from the party.

Democratic gubernatorial candidates Gavin Newsom and Antonio Villaraigosa also have been criticized by their Republican challengers for having had extramarital affairs years ago. But so far those criticisms have failed to gain traction with voters, in part because in both cases it was consensual behavior between two adults.

The issue is especially nettlesome for Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León, who is challenging Sen. Dianne Feinstein's re-election. No one has accused de León of misconduct, but the fact that he shared an apartment in Sacramento with Tony Mendoza before he was accused could hurt him with some female delegates this weekend.

On a brighter note for Democrats, several well-funded women are running for congressional seats currently held by Republicans, an indication they are motivated to get involved in this year's election.

Check out Political Breakdown, a new weekly podcast and radio program on California politics. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

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