Nanette Barragan Beats Challenger in California’s 44th District
Former L.A. City Council member defeats fellow Democrat Isadore Hall
Nanette Barragan will defeat fellow Democrat Isadore Hall to fill California’s open 44th Congressional District seat, The Associated Press projects.
The district that covers Los Angeles’ port community was left open by Rep. Janice Hahn, who served for two terms in Congress. Coming into Election Day the seat was rated Safe Democrat by the Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report/Roll Call.
In the 2014 general election, Hahn easily defeated Peace and Freedom Party candidate Adam Shbeita.
Hahn, a former Los Angeles City Council member, looked to make her foray into national politics a mere sabbatical from the local arena. She left her seat in hopes of becoming a Los Angeles County supervisor, a role her father, Kenneth, filled for four decades.
Barragan and Hall were the top two vote-getters in California’s primary election.
Hall had been considered to be the likely successor in the early weeks of the race, even earning Hahn’s endorsement.
But Barragan caught up to Hall’s early fundraising and hit him for ties to special interests in the oil, alcohol, and tobacco industries, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus lined up behind Barragan, who campaigned on issues involving senior care, education, immigration and the environment.
Hall, a state senator, highlighted the importance of the Port of Los Angeles, vowing to protect the rights of its workers. His campaign website also highlights his wanting to bring technology jobs to the Los Angeles area, helping to establish incubation centers around the state to train qualified work force.
Contact Rahman at remarahman@cqrollcall.com or follow her on Twitter at @remawriter.