2009 California's 32nd congressional district special election

none February 2026 February 2026 2009 California's 32nd congressional district special election California by-election no 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California#District 32 2008 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in California#District 32 2010 2009 7 14 California's 32nd congressional district Judy Chu official portrait (cropped).jpg Judy Chu Democratic Party (United States) 16,194 61.8% Betty Chu.jpg Betty Tom Chu Republican Party (United States) 8,630 33.0% 3x4.svg Christopher Agrella Libertarian Party (United States) 1,356 5.2% U.S. Representative Hilda Solis Democratic Party (United States) Judy Chu Democratic Party (United States) CA-32nd.png 350px The 2009 California's 32nd congressional district special election was held July 14, 2009, to fill the vacancy in California's 32nd congressional district. The election was won by Democrat Judy Chu, who became the first Chinese American woman elected to serve in Congress.July 14, 2009 Judy Chu shoots past rivals in congressional race Los Angeles Times http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/07/judy-chu-wins-congressional-race.html July 14, 2009 March 31, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160331154621/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/07/judy-chu-wins-congressional-race.html live Background The election resulted from Hilda Solis's resignation to become Secretary of Labor following her confirmation on February 24, 2009.Demirjian Karoun February 24, 2009 Senate Confirms Solis as Labor Secretary Despite GOP Concerns Congressional Quarterly http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000003059528 dead February 24, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090224144340/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5 February 24, 2009 The election was called to fill the rest of her term, which ended on January 3, 2011. On March 10, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger called for the special primary election to be held on May 19, the same day as a statewide special election. A candidate who received the majority of votes in the primary election would have been declared the winner and no runoff would have been held. Since no candidate won a majority, the candidates that won the most votes in each party appeared on the ballot for the general runoff election, held on July 14.Special Election Proclamation http://gov.ca.gov/proclamation/11655/ March 10, 2009 Governor of California August 10, 2009 September 22, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090922171303/http://gov.ca.gov/proclamation/11655/ live Candidates A total of 13 candidates registered for the special election, of which only three qualified for the runoff general election. One additional candidate registered only for the general election.Certified List of Candidates for the Special Primary Election Thirty-Second Congressional District May 19, 2009 http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/Special/cd32/certified-list-of-candidates.pdf April 13, 2009 California Secretary of State dead https://web.archive.org/web/20091019010839/http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/Special/cd32/certified-list-of-candidates.pdf October 19, 2009 August 10, 2009Certified List of Write-In Candidates for the Special Primary Election Thirty-Second Congressional District May 19, 2009 http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/Special/cd32/certified-list-of-candidates-write-ins.pdf April 13, 2009 California Secretary of State dead https://web.archive.org/web/20091019010908/http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/Special/cd32/certified-list-of-candidates-write-ins.pdf October 19, 2009 August 10, 2009Certified List of Write-In Candidates for the Special General Election Thirty-Second Congressional District July 14, 2009 http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/Special/cd32/certified-list-of-wi-candidates-general-cd32.pdf July 6, 2009 California Secretary of State dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090709014726/http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/Special/cd32/certified-list-of-wi-candidates-general-cd32.pdf July 9, 2009 August 10, 2009 Democratic Francisco Alonso, former Mayor of Monterey ParkMay 18, 2009 Election at a glance Los Angeles Times https://articles.latimes.com/2009/may/18/local/me-elexbox18 dead August 10, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090922092227/http://articles.latimes.com/2009/may/18/local/me-elexbox18 September 22, 2009 Gil Cedillo, State Senator from the 22nd district Judy Chu, member of the State Board of Equalization from the fourth district Benita Duran, former aide to Hilda Solis Stefan Lysenko, independent filmmaker Nick Mostert, attorney and legislative analyst Rafael Nadal, businessman and field representative Emanuel Pleitez, economic advisor Independent Eleanor Garcia, a write-in candidate for the general election Libertarian Christopher Agrella, a businessman Republican Betty Chu, a member of the Monterey Park City Council Teresa Hernandez, a businesswoman Larry Scarborough, a write-in candidate for the primary election David Truax, a businessman Primary campaign The campaign to replace Solis began as soon as her nomination to Obama's cabinet was announced. State Senator (and former Majority Leader) Gloria Romero, whose 24th State Senate district overlaps the congressional district, became the first politician to express interest in running for the open seat. On December 18, 2008, the day that Solis's selection first became known, Romero said, "I have deep roots, and I would certainly give it every consideration. Definitely, I am interested".Morain Dan December 18, 2008 Obama's pick of Hilda Solis for Labor prompts some to eye her House seat Los Angeles Times http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/12/campaigns-begin.html December 19, 2008 December 22, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081222152018/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/12/campaigns-begin.html live The same State Senate seat was previously held by Solis. Of the many possible contenders, Romero said, "I can beat them all".Rojas Aurelio December 19, 2008 Legislators scramble to fill congressional seat The Sacramento Bee http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/capitolalertlatest/017981.html dead December 24, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20090925115153/http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/capitolalertlatest/017981.html September 25, 2009 However, on January 8, Romero decided not to run for the seat, opting to try for California State Superintendent of Public Instruction instead.January 8, 2009 Gloria Romero will not seek congressional seat Los Angeles Times http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/01/romero-will-not.html https://archive.today/20130127135026/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/01/romero-will-not.html January 27, 2013 February 3, 2026 dead On December 22, Judy Chu, Chair of the State Board of Equalization, announced that she would run in the special election.Larrubia Evelyn December 23, 2008 Solis' House seat draws interest of prominent politicians Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-me-solis23-2008dec23,0,858937.story December 24, 2008 December 25, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081225164605/http://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-me-solis23-2008dec23,0,858937.story live She said, "I've decided to heed those calls [of supporters]. I know this district very, very well and I believe the people of this district know me and know I'm very devoted to the San Gabriel Valley". The congressional district makeup was 48% Latino and 13% Asian. She began campaigning heavily, and captured the endorsements of several San Gabriel Valley politicos. (The following month, Chu became Vice Chair of the Board of Equalization.)Vice Chair Judy Chu http://www.boe.ca.gov/members/jchu/about_member.html State Board of Equalization dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090102025529/http://www.boe.ca.gov/members/jchu/about_member.html January 2, 2009 March 24, 2009 On January 8, 2009, State Senator Gil Cedillo announced he was running. He was endorsed by Romero once she decided not to run, and the race was largely viewed as a contest between Chu and Cedillo.Larrubia, Evelyn January 27, 2009 Judy Chu endorsed by union in bid to replace Rep. Hilda Solis Los Angeles Times http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/01/congresswoman-h.html January 29, 2009 Cedillo collected the endorsements of several local mayors. On January 7, the day before, Emanuel Pleitez, a 26-year-old member of the Barack Obama presidential transition team for the U.S. Treasury Department, had declared his intentions to run. Two prominent politicians drop out of running for House seat, two enter race - Pasadena Star-News http://www2.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_11414503 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110715045737/http://www2.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_11414503 July 15, 2011 January 10, 2009Member of Obama transition team vying for Solis seat http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_11397802 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090217034045/http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_11397802 February 17, 2009 January 8, 2009 Pasadena Star-News A young banker who left Goldman Sachs, Pleitez is a native of the district.Kim, Kenneth February 27, 2009 Young Banker Bails on Goldman Sachs, Runs for Congress New America Media http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=79387eb9cfcf61548e9ae75cf3fd1a72&from=rss usurped February 27, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20120222040114/http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=79387eb9cfcf61548e9ae75cf3fd1a72&from=rss February 22, 2012 Pleitez ran a more grassroots campaign, relying on a steady flow of volunteers and various individuals making any contribution to his efforts. The Huffington Post said if elected, he would become the second member of the Millennial generation to serve in Congress.Greenberg, Eric Weber, Karl March 17, 2009 The Pleitez Promise—A Millennial Breeze Begins To Blow in Washington HuffPost https://www.huffingtonpost.com/eric-greenberg/the-pleitez-promise--a-mi_b_175733.html March 18, 2009 March 21, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090321023802/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eric-greenberg/the-pleitez-promise--a-mi_b_175733.html live By late March, the Pleitez campaign had about 20 full-time staffers and many volunteers; it was also the first campaign of the 32nd Congressional district to open a campaign office, and launched a modern website before any candidate.Mamlyuk, Boris March 27, 2009 Chavez, Pleitez & the History of America's Future HuffPost https://www.huffingtonpost.com/boris-mamlyuk/chavez-pleitez-the-histor_b_179984.html March 31, 2009 April 4, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090404073930/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/boris-mamlyuk/chavez-pleitez-the-histor_b_179984.html live By late January, Blanca Rubio, president of the Baldwin Park Unified School District Board of Education, also said she was running.Leftovers from City Hall: More local pols seek Hilda's seat http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_11552423 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110614011657/http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_11552423 June 14, 2011 January 27, 2009 SGVTribune.com However, she was not mentioned in subsequent press reports about the election. In late March, she said she was withdrawing from the race for family reasons and endorsed Chu.March 29, 2009 Leftovers from City Hall: Clock is ticking on for Congressional seat race San Gabriel Valley Tribune http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_12026101 dead March 31, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090402045559/http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_12026101 April 2, 2009 Others who had been mentioned as possible candidates for the seat included Assemblyman Charles M. Calderon, his brothers Senator Ronald S. Calderon and former Assemblyman Thomas M. Calderon (both Ronald and Thomas Calderon subsequently declined to run and endorsed Cedillo instead),Gil Cedillo for Congress - Endorsements http://www.gilcedillo.com/endorsements.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090226222600/http://www.gilcedillo.com/endorsements.html February 26, 2009 March 26, 2009 Assemblyman Edward Hernandez (who subsequently declined to run and endorsed Chu instead), Hernandez will not run for congress, will endorse Chu - Pasadena Star-News http://www2.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_11399098 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110715045837/http://www2.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_11399098 July 15, 2011 January 9, 2009 Chu's husband, Assemblyman Mike Eng, and former Assemblyman Ed Chavez (who subsequently declined to run and endorsed Cedillo instead).McLain, Jennifer March 23, 2009 Chavez won't run; supports Cedillo San Gabriel Valley Tribune http://www.insidesocal.com/sgvgov/2009/03/chavez-wont-run-supports-cedil.html March 30, 2009 March 26, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090330080600/http://www.insidesocal.com/sgvgov/2009/03/chavez-wont-run-supports-cedil.html live Candidates from outside the congressional district were also permitted by law. No major Republicans indicated that they would run in the special election. The Republican who were candidates were former Covina mayor David Truax,David Truax for Congress http://www.dt4c.com/ dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090412013431/http://www.dt4c.com/ April 12, 2009 March 16, 2009 accountant Jim Hetzel,James Hetzel for Congress http://www.jameshetzel.org/ dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130607145129/http://jameshetzel.org/ June 7, 2013 March 16, 2009 and business owner Teresa Hernandez.Kimitch, Rebecca February 28, 2009 Candidates set sights on Solis seat San Gabriel Valley Tribune http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_11807958 dead March 5, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090303195259/http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_11807958 March 3, 2009 Hetzel and Hernandez were political newcomers, and these were the first Republicans to vie for the seat since 2002. As the only Libertarian Party candidate, Christopher Agrella, a businessman, was guaranteed to move on to any general election from the primary.Kimitch Rebecca April 13, 2009 Candidates crowd race for 32nd District seat Pasadena Star-News https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2009/04/13/candidates-crowd-race-for-32nd-district-seat/ September 9, 2024 October 23, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20240909014216/https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2009/04/13/candidates-crowd-race-for-32nd-district-seat/ live Agrella said his top priorities if elected would be to bring about real government accountability, balance the federal budget by cutting out waste, and repeal the federal tax code in its entirety.http://agrella4congress.org/index.jsp https://web.archive.org/web/20090412163058/http://agrella4congress.org/index.jsp April 12, 2009 [date:4/21/2009] Turnout in special elections is almost always low, and support from organized labor was seen as crucial in helping to get out a candidate's vote.York, Anthony January 22, 2009 Private, political histories loom over House race http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_adctlid=v%7Cjq2q43wvsl855o%7Cxppppo6tc&xid=xpnuogkj5u1krl dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110717032548/http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_adctlid=v%7Cjq2q43wvsl855o%7Cxppppo6tc&xid=xpnuogkj5u1krl July 17, 2011 January 24, 2009 Capitol Weekly On January 26, Chu received the coveted endorsement of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. Cedillo replied that he had a long association with the labor movement and that, "At the end of the day, people know me as a public servant who delivers and not as a politician." Somewhat ironically, all of this campaign activity had taken place before there was any official vacancy in the seat, as Solis's confirmation process was being held up in the United States Senate.Friedman, Dan January 23, 2009 Solis becomes latest nominee slowed by GOP roadblocks CongressDaily http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0109/012309cdam1.htm dead January 23, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090129085535/http://govexec.com/dailyfed/0109/012309cdam1.htm January 29, 2009 Solis herself decline to endorse any of the potential replacements for her, although Chu suggested that the congresswoman would prefer her.Larrubia, Evelyn January 29, 2009 L.A. County Federation of Labor endorses Chu for Congress Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-me-chu29-2009jan29,0,3122857.story January 29, 2009 On February 24, 2009, the special election finally became a certainty, with Solis's long confirmation process coming to a successful close. Chu formally announced her candidacy on February 27, stating, "It occurred to me this seat would open, and who could carry on ... [Solis's] desire to represent the constituents?"Telford, Daniel February 27, 2009 Chu takes first step in run for Congress San Gabriel Valley Tribune http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_11803006 dead February 28, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090426110541/http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_11803006 April 26, 2009 Cedillo formally announced his candidacy on March 7 at a rally in El Monte.Kimitch, Rebecca March 9, 2009 Democrat Cedillo kicks off congressional campaign San Gabriel Valley Tribune http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_11862243 dead March 21, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090312050624/http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_11862243 March 12, 2009 The first candidates' forum was held on March 19 in Cypress Park, Los Angeles, sponsored by the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project.Gloria Angelina Castillo March 26, 2009 Race for Solis' Seat Picks Up Speed http://egpnews.com/?p=8116 March 27, 2009 EGP NewsNovember 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes Only Cedillo, Chu, and Pleitez were invited. By late March, Cedillo and Chu had each raised several hundred thousand dollars and were widely viewed as the frontrunners.Jacobs, Jeremy March 19, 2009 In race for Solis's seat, Democratic Party may prove to be powerbroker The Hill http://www.thehill.com/campaign-2008/in-race-for-soliss-seat-democratic-party-may-prove-to-be-powerbroker-2009-03-19.html March 21, 2009 March 26, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090326045850/http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/in-race-for-soliss-seat-democratic-party-may-prove-to-be-powerbroker-2009-03-19.html dead A fellow of the Rose Institute of State and Local Government characterized the contest by saying: "When people talk about this race, there's Cedillo and Chu, then there's Pleitez, and then there's everybody else."Rebecca Kimitch Tania Chatila March 15, 2009 Pleitez says financial experience, background qualify him for Congressional seat San Gabriel Valley Tribune http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_11921488?source=rss dead March 26, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110614005136/http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_11921488?source=rss June 14, 2011 Through the end of March, Chu had raised $770,000, Cedillo $568,000, and Pleitez $153,000.April 15, 2009 32nd Congressional District fundraising going strong San Gabriel Valley Tribune http://www.sgvtribune.com/ci_12151139 dead April 20, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110614005348/http://www.sgvtribune.com/ci_12151139 June 14, 2011 One political analyst commented ruefully, "It does not take a lot of money in these low turn out races, but that doesn't mean a lot of money isn't going to be spent." By April 6, the official filing deadline for the primary, twelve candidates had filed for the race,Kimitch, Rebecca April 7, 2009 12 file for Solis' congressional seat San Gabriel Valley Tribune http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_12085642 dead April 16, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090710002539/http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_12085642 July 10, 2009 comprising eight Democrats, three Republicans, and one Libertarian.Mikulan, Steven April 7, 2009 The Race for Hilda Solis' Seat: Let the Bloodbath Begin LA Weekly http://blogs.laweekly.com/ladaily/politics/the-race-for-hilda-solis-seat/ dead April 16, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090415225324/http://blogs.laweekly.com/ladaily/politics/the-race-for-hilda-solis-seat/ April 15, 2009 Chu and Cedillo were still considered the front-runners, with each having raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for their campaigns. Judy Chu's task was complicated by the appearance of her cousin-in-law,May 20, 2009 zh:兩位「趙美人」角逐加州眾議員 Chinese takungpao.com http://www.takungpao.com/news/09/05/20/_IN-1085146.htm dead May 21, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090531131728/http://www.takungpao.com/news/09/05/20/_IN-1085146.htm May 31, 2009May 20, 2009 Betty Chu and Judy Chu: the final word! OurCampaigns.com http://www.ourcampaigns.com/NewsDetail.html?NewsID=58966 May 21, 2009 May 22, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090522210356/http://www.ourcampaigns.com/NewsDetail.html?NewsID=58966 live Betty Chu, a Republican Monterey Park City Council member and former mayor, on the ballot as well.Jacobs, Jeremy P. April 10, 2009 Candidate for Solis seat gets similar challenger The Hill http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/candidate-for-solis-seat-gets-similar-challenger-2009-04-10.html April 17, 2009 April 18, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090418010121/http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/candidate-for-solis-seat-gets-similar-challenger-2009-04-10.html dead Benita Duran entered the race as the last candidate for the 32nd Congressional district. She was the former deputy district director for Solis' congressional office and staged a grassroots campaign for the seat. By early May, Cedillo and Chu were battling each other via campaign mailers, with Cedillo putting out attacks on Chu that included unrelated headlines from articles about the 2008 financial crisis.Merl, Jean Democrats battle by mailer in 32nd District race Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-may-02-me-32nd-congress2-story.html May 2, 2009 limited November 7, 2024 September 4, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241107230246/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-may-02-me-32nd-congress2-story.html live Cedillo also put out a mailer against Pleitez that represented one of the first uses of in American politics of Facebook photographs for opposition research and negative campaigning.Blake, Aaron May 7, 2009 Facebook photos used as opposition research The Hill http://briefingroom.thehill.com/2009/05/07/facebook-photos-used-as-opposition-research/ dead May 8, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090724101835/http://briefingroom.thehill.com/2009/05/07/facebook-photos-used-as-opposition-research/ July 24, 2009 Cedillo's material likened Pleitez's socializing to Animal House and accused Pleitez of flashing gang signs. Chu had the endorsement of Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa.Blood, Michael R. May 9, 2009 Racial lines tested in Calif. House race https://nwasianweekly.com/2009/05/racial-lines-tested-in-calif-house-race-2/ May 10, 2009 Northwest Asian Weekly Associated Press September 18, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090918014054/http://www.nwasianweekly.com/2009/05/racial-lines-tested-in-calif-house-race-2/ live While Solis herself continued to remain neutral, Solis's husband, parents, and siblings all endorsed Chu. Primary results In the May 19 primary, Democrat Judy Chu led all candidates, but failed to gain enough to prevent a runoff general election. Betty Chu qualified as the Republican candidate for the runoff and Christopher Agrella qualified as the Libertarian.Statement of Vote: May 19, 2009, Statewide Special Election http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/sov/2009-special/complete-sov.pdf June 26, 2009 California Secretary of State dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090716155759/http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/sov/2009-special/complete-sov.pdf July 16, 2009 June 26, 2009 California's 32nd congressional district special primary, 2009 Judy Chu Democratic Party (California) 17,661 32.6 Gil Cedillo Democratic Party (California) 12,570 23.2 Emanuel Pleitez Democratic Party (California) 7,252 13.4 Betty Chu Republican Party (California) 5,648 10.4 Teresa Hernandez Republican Party (California) 4,581 8.5 David Truax Republican Party (California) 3,303 6.1 Francisco Alonso Democratic Party (California) 1,097 2.0 Christopher Agrella Libertarian Party (California) 654 1.2 Benita Duran Democratic Party (California) 659 1.2 Stefan Lysenko Democratic Party (California) 246 0.4 Nick Mostert Democratic Party (California) 244 0.4 Rafael Nadal Democratic Party (California) 200 0.4 Larry Scarborough (write-in) Republican Party (California) 1 0.0 54,116 94.6 3,106 5.4 57,222 100.0 26.2 General election campaign Not much media attention was given to the general election race due to the district's heavily Democratic lean. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune dubbed the race "The Chu Chu train" in reference to the same last names of the two major candidates,Abrahamson, Zachary June 4, 2009 Two Chus, one ballot Politico https://www.politico.com/news/stories/0609/23309_Page2.html June 14, 2009 June 9, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090609111436/http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0609/23309_Page2.html live while a campaign consultant referred to it as "The Chu-Chu runoff". With expected turnout at the 10 percent level, one analyst dismissed the possible name confusion effect on voters: "When you’re dealing with that low of turnout, you’re dealing with a sophisticated, knowledgeable electorate." Despite their relation by marriage, the two women did not know each other well nor like each other. Judy May Chu accused Betty Tom Chu of dropping her middle name "Tom" in order to play further upon the name similarity, a charge that Betty Chu sternly denied.Hall, Carla May 21, 2009 Two Chus among candidates for San Gabriel Valley seat Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-congress21-2009may21,0,68991.story June 14, 2009 May 27, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090527011615/http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-congress21-2009may21,0,68991.story? live At a June 23 debate featuring the three candidates, the two Chus presented conflicting views on term limits, the Employee Free Choice Act, and universal health care.Congressional race heats up at debate http://www.sgvtribune.com/ci_12680686 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110614010453/http://www.sgvtribune.com/ci_12680686 June 14, 2011 June 25, 2009 SGVTribune.com Following the debate, while Betty Chu remained in the area, Judy Chu flew to Washington, D.C., to meet with Democratic leaders, indicating her confidence in winning the race. With the election looming, Judy Chu has actually downsized her headquarters, again signaling her confidence in winning the heavily democratic district. On the other side, Betty Chu opened a campaign headquarters, and Libertarian candidate Christopher Agrella operated his low-tech campaign out of a storage shed.Merl Jean June 22, 2009 Candidates for San Gabriel Valley seat aren't backing down Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-cong22-2009jun22,0,3731951.story June 25, 2009 April 16, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20090625052222/http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-cong22-2009jun22,0,3731951.story live While Judy Chu was considered to be the clear front-runner, she said she was not taking anything for granted; much of her campaigning involved phone calls to voters and fundraising. Betty Chu also worked to raise funds and to get her message out, telling voters that she had a great deal of experience as a long-time attorney, banker, entrepreneur, and elected official. Agrella continued to run what he called a "shoe-string" campaign, trying to get his name known in the district. A forum, sponsored by the American Legion, was held between Betty Chu and Christopher Agrella. Judy Chu was originally scheduled to participate but dropped out to do a fundraiser.32nd Congressional District candidates gear up for election http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_12812610 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110614010604/http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_12812610 June 14, 2011 July 12, 2009 SGVTribune.com Judy Chu also did not attend a forum sponsored by Looking Green, leading to the cancellation of the forum, since the remaining candidates felt it was unnecessary due to their similar positions on the issues. The Judy Chu campaign explained their reason for not attending was to spend the last days of the campaign contacting voters and making sure they show up for the election, which was expected to have low turnout.Candidate skips out on debates http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_12786199 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110724045534/http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_12786199 July 24, 2011 July 13, 2009 Pasadena Star-News Fundraising reports indicated that Judy Chu had raised $1.3 million from individuals (constituting about three-quarters), PACs, and unions. The amount was more than expected and budgeted for the race by the campaign. The campaign indicated that $1 million was spent in the primary, and $200,000 spent in the general election.32nd Congressional candidate Betty Chu fails to report fundraising, spending http://www.whittierdailynews.com/news/ci_12788855 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090710181414/http://www.whittierdailynews.com/news/ci_12788855 July 10, 2009 July 12, 2009 Whittier Daily News Betty Chu spent around $75,000 on efforts to get her name known in the district with billboards, mailers, and TV ads. Much of the spent monies were personal loans. The Betty Chu campaign missed one filing deadline with the Federal Election Commission. With turnout expected not to be higher than 10%, or 25,000 or so votes, both Chus were working to ensure their constituents turned out on election day. The general election was considered less relevant than the primary by the voters, with the Judy Chu campaign acknowledging that many of the voters they had talked to thought the primary in May was the end of the election. While Judy Chu was pushing to ensure loyal Democrats come to the polls, Betty Chu worked to get Republicans, unmotivated to show up by the district's Democratic tilt, to flock to the polls and perhaps pull off a long-shot upset. Over 10,000 absentee ballots were filed, with about half from Democrats, a third from Republicans, and the remaining from unaffiliated voters. General election results 2009 California's 32nd congressional district special electionhttps://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/special-elections/2009-cd32/final-official-results-cd32-general.pdf 2009 special election results April 27, 2019 December 2, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181202053325/https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/special-elections/2009-cd32/final-official-results-cd32-general.pdf live Judy Chu Democratic Party (California) 16,194 61.8 Betty Chu Republican Party (California) 8,630 33.0 Christopher Agrella Libertarian Party (California) 1,356 5.2 Eleanor Garcia (write-in) Independent (US) 2 0.0 26,182 100.0 1,240 4.7 26,182 100.0 10.7 Democratic Party (California) References External links California Target Book: January 27, 2009 (special election is first subject on page) Campaign websites of run-off candidates Christopher Agrella (L) Betty Chu (R) Judy Chu (D) Former candidates Gil Cedillo (D) https://web.archive.org/web/20090226222554/http://www.gilcedillo.com/ February 26, 2009 Benita Duran (D) https://web.archive.org/web/20090430081327/http://www.benitaduranforcongress.com/ April 30, 2009 Teresa Hernandez (R) James Hetzel (R) Emanuel Pleitez (D) David Truax (R) https://web.archive.org/web/20090412013431/http://www.dt4c.com/ April 12, 2009 California 2009 32 California 2009 32 2009 32 Special California 32 Special United States House of Representatives 32 Special