Democratic official caught drunk driving in government vehicle.

Susannah LuthiMay 4, 2023

California State Senator Dave Min: The Leading Candidate to Replace Katie Porter in Congress

Breaking news: Dave Min, the leading candidate to replace Rep. Katie Porter (D.) in Congress, was arrested this week for drunk driving while dangerously driving a state car, according to the police report.

Officers pulled over Min near the state Capitol in downtown Sacramento late Tuesday night after they observed him running a red light in a silver Toyota Camry with the headlights off. Min allegedly stopped briefly at the traffic signal and then continued through the intersection while the light was still red.

In the hours ahead of Min’s arrest, photographs posted to social media showed him schmoozing with lobbyists at two events, at least one of which had bar service.

After Min was released from police custody Wednesday, he broke the news of his DUI arrest in a Facebook post, saying, “I know I need to do better.”

Later Wednesday, Min was photographed addressing California realtors from behind a well-stocked bar.

Reckless Behavior Sparks Calls to Drop Out

Min, whom Porter endorsed in the race for her seat, has already faced calls to drop out over his reckless behavior. “Drunk Dave Min arrested for driving under the influence. He should stop running for Congress and sober up,” read the headline of a Wednesday opinion article in the Orange County Register, his local newspaper.

Despite the controversy, Min has the backing of leading California Democrats, including U.S. Reps. Judy Chu, Mark Takano, and Andy Kim and California attorney general Rob Bonta. None have weighed in on his DUI.