Clinton endorses Democrat in California special House election

Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton endorsed California State Assemblywoman Christy Smith (D) in the upcoming election to fill former Rep. Katie Hill’s (D-Calif.) House seat. 

“There’s a key special election coming up in California on May 12, and I’m happy to support [Christy Smith],” Clinton tweeted on Friday. “Christy has been an effective public servant from the school board to the CA Assembly, and we need her in Congress. Help her protect this seat!” 

There’s a key special election coming up in California on May 12, and I’m happy to support @ChristyforCA25.

Christy has been an effective public servant from the school board to the CA Assembly, and we need her in Congress.

Help her protect this seat! https://t.co/5wzotXH5r0

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) May 1, 2020

Smith will face off against Republican Mike Garcia, a former Navy fighter pilot, in a race that will be held entirely through vote-by-mail amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

The Cook Political Report has moved the race from “lean Democratic” to “toss-up.”

Hill flipped the seat in 2018 but resigned from office earlier this year amid allegations that she engaged in a sexual relationship with a staffer. The former congresswoman has endorsed Smith. 

Additionally, Hill’s Her Time PAC is working to turn out voters to support Smith in the special election. 

Clinton’s endorsement comes after she endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden for president on Tuesday, becoming the latest major Democrat to throw support behind his campaign. 

“I am thrilled to be part of your campaign — to not only endorse you but to help highlight a lot of the issues that are at stake in this presidential election,” she told Biden in a joint livestream.