Wendy Carrillo, one of several challengers to embattled City Council incumbent Kevin de León, was arrested early Friday morning.
“As a public servant, I am aware that I must adhere to a higher standard that demands personal accountability for my conduct and I accept responsibility for my actions,” Carrillo said. “I sincerely apologize to my family, constituents, colleagues and staff for any actions of mine that have fallen short of that expectation. I intend to seek the necessary help and support. As I do so, I remain dedicated to my family, my constituents and the community that I grew-up in and am proud to represent.”
She is among a slew of Democrats aiming to unseat Council member Kevin de León, who is mounting an uphill reelection bid after a racist leaked audio scandal last year made him a political pariah in his party. Notably, two of de León’s former colleagues in the state Legislature — Carrillo and fellow Democratic Assemblymember Miguel Santiago — are among those seeking to oust him.
Carrillo’s arrest marks the second time in recent months an alleged DUI reshaped an intra-Democrat race. Democratic state Sen. Dave Min was arrested on suspicion of driving drunk earlier this year and is squaring off against Democratic lawyer Joanna Weiss to succeed Rep. Katie Porter in Congress.
He has been forced to contend with questions whether the arrest hurts his electability in a House seat Democrats see as critical to their success in November.
The moral calibre of many of our candidates for public office is continuing to decline. How can we attract honest people to represent us.