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California State Senator Arrested for Drunk Driving to Be Arraigned in July
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California state Sen. Dave Min speaks to reporters in Huntington Beach, Calif., on Oct. 6, 2021. (Eugene Garcia/AP Photo)
By Jill McLaughlin
5/4/2023Updated: 5/4/2023

California State Sen. Dave Min, a Democrat from Irvine, is scheduled for his first court appearance following a drunk driving arrest this week.

The senator and congressional candidate—favored by the Democratic Party to replace outgoing Rep. Katie Porter—is scheduled to appear for an arraignment on July 24 in Sacramento Superior Court, according to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.

The district attorney’s office was unable to disclose what charges the senator might face after his May 2 arrest.

“We received the case. It’s under review,” District Attorney spokeswoman Shelly Orio told The Epoch Times.

Min, 47, was arrested for driving under the influence at around 10:50 p.m. Tuesday in Sacramento. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Min was stopped for not having headlights on near the corner of Broadway and Riverside Boulevard, next to the city’s historic cemetery.

The CHP officers also observed his Toyota Camry run a red light, according to a report provided to The Epoch Times.

Senator Dave Min presents a check for $15,000,000 to the Orange County Fire Authority at Fire Station 1 in Tustin, Calif., on Aug. 27, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Senator Dave Min presents a check for $15,000,000 to the Orange County Fire Authority at Fire Station 1 in Tustin, Calif., on Aug. 27, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Officers arrested Min after performing a drunk-driving investigation and said he was driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood content of more than .08 percent, officers reported.

Min was released the next morning after a brief stay in the county jail.

The senator is also a candidate for California’s 47th Congressional District—one of Orange County’s most competitive districts. He posted a message on May 3 apologizing to his supporters for the incident on his campaign’s Facebook page.

“Last night I was cited for a misdemeanor for driving under the influence. My decision to drive last night was irresponsible. I accept full responsibility and there is no excuse for my actions. To my family, constituents and supporters, I am so deeply sorry. I know I need to do better. I will not let this personal failure distract from our work in California and in Washington,” he wrote.

He has not posted on social media since the arrest.

Min was first elected in 2020 to the county’s 37th state Senate district, which includes Anaheim Hills, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Newport Beach, Orange, Tustin, and Villa Park.

Min’s office and the Senate Democratic Caucus did not respond to requests for comment by press time.

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Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.

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