Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) was arrested on May 2 and cited for driving under the influence after he was pulled over by California Highway Patrol officers for multiple moving violations while in Sacramento. 

Min’s arrest report, obtained by Irvine Weekly, indicates that Min’s vehicle was pulled over when CHP officers noticed a silver Toyota Camry driving at night without headlights. The Camry then proceeded to run a red light.

“We observed the Toyota turn from the #2 lane to the #1 lane of 9th St. The Toyota came to a stop at a signaled red traffic light, in the left turn lane, at the intersection of Broadway, with the front tires of the vehicle past the fully marked white limit line,” the report read. “The Toyota stopped at the signaled red traffic light for approximately 45 seconds, before proceeding into the intersection at approximately 5-10 mph, as the traffic light remained red, a violation of 21453(a) VC. Officer Blanchard initiated an enforcement stop for the violations, and the Toyota yielded to the right.”

A dashcam video, provided by California Highway Patrol Valley Division, confirms the violations listed in Min’s arrest report.

During the arrest, Min, who is currently running for the 47th Congressional District, admitted to having two alcoholic beverages — a Coors Light and an IPA. However, the arrest report indicated that Min’s preliminary alcohol screening was 0.15. In California, the legal limit for alcohol is 0.08.

The report also indicates the silver Toyota Camry Min was driving is owned by the California Senate Rules Committee.

On May 3, Min announced his arrest on Facebook, adding that it was irresponsible for him to drive.

“Last night I was cited for a misdemeanor for driving under the influence. My decision to drive last night was irresponsible. I accept full responsibility and there is no excuse for my actions. To my family, constituents and supporters, I am so deeply sorry. I know I need to do better. I will not let this personal failure distract us from our work in California and in Washington.”

After Min’s arrest, Congressman Harley Rouda announced his endorsement of Democratic candidate Joanna Weiss for California’s 47th Congressional District. In a message posted to Twitter on May 15, Rouda said Katie Porter’s narrow victory over Republican Scott Baugh in November illustrates that Porter’s “war chest” of spending power doesn’t equal victory.  

He also called for Democrats to urge Min to withdraw from his congressional campaign. 

“The stakes are too high to get this choice wrong and I call on all Democrats to rally behind Joanna. Rep. Katie Porter barely won this House district despite outspending her Republican opponent by an unprecedented $23 million [9 times more than her opponent],” Rouda wrote. “This time, we can’t rely on a war chest that big. While we thank Dave Min for his service to the party, with his recent DUI he should immediately withdraw from the race. If it was a Republican candidate who got a DUI, Democrats would demand exactly that. Let’s not be hypocrites – join me in calling on Dave Min to quit the race.” 

This is a developing story. 

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