How past ICE funding votes are reshaping California's race for governor

[quaint]

LATimes

Fellow Democratic candidates are criticizing Rep. Eric Swalwell and former Rep. Katie Porter for voting — in Swalwell’s case, as recently as June — to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and support its agents’ work.

Swalwell (D-Dublin) last year voted in favor of a Republican-sponsored resolution condemning an attack that injured at least eight people demonstrating in support of Israeli hostages, one of whom later died, in Boulder, Colo., and expressing “gratitude to law enforcement officers, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel, for protecting the homeland.”

Tony Thurmond, another Democrat currently serving as California’s top education official, in an online political ad criticized Swalwell’s vote as well as several by Porter for bills to fund ICE and Trump’s border wall during the president’s first term.

No problem, they have excuses, more at link.

[Auggie]

1. The link suggests these are political ploys ...

I think it's pretty easy to nit-pick any congressional voting record because almost all bills have added special amendments tacked on, including many, I believe, added to intentionally embarrass if not in the moment but in years to come. That one funding bill was from 10 years ago, and the resolution was from last year. A lot has changed since then.

I don't have a favorite in the CA gubernatorial race. I won't vote for Steyer though. Being rich alone does not entitle you to lead the world's fourth largest economy. Run for something first. Even dog catcher.

[quaint]

2. No favorite, yet.

I like Thurmond but not for governor, too easy going for our times.
Both Swalwell and Porter have disappointed me with their votes, Swalwell especially.
I will still most likely end of voting for one of them.
I do not like Villaraigosa. I just don't.

[usonian]

3. What's the last date to file papers?

Techie with a heart.
Time to try something new.

[quaint]

4. I seem to have lost too much grey matter; here's what I found:

https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/primary-election-june-2-2026/key-dates-and-deadlines

Voter-Nominated Office: Signatures-In-Lieu of Filing Fee Period
December 19, 2025 – February 4, 2026

Voter-Nominated Office: Declaration of Candidacy and Nomination Paper Period
February 9 – March 6, 2026

Voter-Nominated Office: Declaration of Candidacy and Nomination Paper Extension Period if Incumbent Does Not File
March 7 – March 11, 2026