In Some Races, It’s All Relatives

SACRAMENTO — Three wives, one husband and two brothers of Assembly members are running in the June 6 primary election to replace relatives.

It’s a trend political scientists ascribe to the churn of term limits and the ready-made name recognition and connections that family members enjoy.

“They know the same donors and volunteers,” said Barbara O’Connor, director of the Institute for the Study of Politics and Media at Cal State Sacramento.

The legislative hopefuls include Dianne Harman, wife of Republican Assemblyman Tom Harman of Huntington Beach; Laura Canciamilla, who is married to Assemblyman Joe Canciamilla, a Pittsburg Democrat; Renee Chavez, wife of Democrat Ed Chavez, an assemblyman from La Puente; Mike Eng, husband of Assemblywoman Judy Chu, a Democrat from Monterey Park; Chuck Calderon, brother of Democratic Assemblyman Ron Calderon of Montebello; and Jeremy Baca, brother of Rialto Assemblyman Joe Baca Jr., a Democrat.

Besides bestowing name recognition, lawmakers can help raise a relative’s profile in ways ordinary folks can’t.

Take the Legislature’s annual “Woman of the Year” ceremony. Each March, lawmakers bestow the award upon a constituent, ostensibly for public service.

This year, Chavez chose his wife, a dental hygienist and mayor of La Puente. She was introduced to the Assembly as “an outstanding mayor” and “compassionate healthcare worker,” with no mention that she was his wife and one of four Democratic candidates vying for his seat.

Ed Chavez did not return calls seeking comment.

One of Renee Chavez’s rivals, Democrat John Solis, said he is unfazed by her connections. He noted that he shares the same name as Rep. Hilda Solis (D-El Monte), although they are not relatives.

“Even though I’m not related,” he said, “I have a more powerful name than Chavez.”