Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Palm Desert) represents California’s 36th Congressional District, which includes all of the Hill, is in danger, according to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
Ruiz first won election to the House of Representatives in 2012 when he upset incumbent Rep. Mary Bono. In November 2014, he was re-elected defeating Republican challenger Assemblyman Brian Nestande.
Despite these victories and a pronounced advantage raising campaign funds, the DCCC has identified Ruiz and 13 other Democratic representatives as vulnerable in the 2016 election as part of its Frontline program. Ruiz also was included in the DCCC’s 2013-14 Frontline program.
During the 2014 campaign, Ruiz spent $3.1 million compared to Nestande’s campaign expenses of $1.3, outspending his challenger nearly $1.8 million. The incumbent spent almost $2.40 for every dollar Nestande invested in the race.
Among the threatened Congressional members are four others from California — Ami Bera (7th District), Julia Brownley (26th), Pete Guilar (31st) and Scott Peters (52nd).
“Each one of these members knows what it takes to win tough elections: working hard, standing up for your district, and not taking anything for granted,” said DCCC Chair Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM).
