Calif. Dem touts her ‘badass’ sister’s Senate run

Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.) said Hispanics should support “two badass Latinas running for the U.S. Senate” — her sister, fellow Democratic Rep. Loretta Sanchez in California; and Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto in Nevada.

Loretta Sanchez, first elected to Congress in 1996, jumped in the race to replace retiring Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) this year, taking second place in California’s all-party primary. Because of California’s election rules, Sánchez will compete in the general election against a fellow Democrat, California Attorney General Kamala Harris.

Harris is the favorite to win. She has been endorsed by the state and national Democratic parties, President Obama and Vice President Biden.

Linda Sánchez is the chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Some Hispanics believe that an unlikely coalition of California Republicans eager to hand Obama a defeat and Latino voters — provided Hispanic turnout hits record numbers — could win Loretta Sanchez the Senate seat.

“if we vote in Nevada and we vote in California, we will see the first Latina member of the U.S. Senate,” said Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-Calif.).

While the California seat is expected remain in Democratic hands, the Nevada seat being vacated by retiring Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid will be contested by both parties. 

Cortez Masto is in a tight race with Rep. Joe Heck (R-Nev.).