California State Sen. Dave Min (D-Irvine) is facing a misdemeanor driving under the influence (DUI) charge, following his arrest and jailing in Sacramento, California on May 2.
Min was pulled over by California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers after he was seen driving without headlights and running through a red light. The officers noticed signs of alcohol intoxication and subsequently arrested Min after he failed a sobriety test. He was booked into the Sacramento County Jail and released on May 3.
The California Highway Patrol agency released a statement to KTLA 5, noting that “the officers followed the vehicle to 9th St. at Broadway where they observed the vehicle stop at a red light momentarily but then proceed into the intersection while the light remained red.”
Min confirmed in a Facebook post that he was charged with a misdemeanor due to driving under the influence.
“My decision to drive last night was irresponsible. I accept full responsibility and there is no excuse for my actions,” Min posted on May 3. “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.”
Prioritizing gun control and climate change within his legislative agenda, Min was initially elected as a California state senator in 2020. Min is currently running in the California 47th Congressional District as representative Katie Porter is in the run to replace Senator Dianne Feinstein. Min’s current opposition for the seat is former Republican State Assemblymember Scott Baugh, former litigator and Democrat Joanna Weiss and Republican businessman Max Ukropina. Ukropina commented on Min’s DUI arrest.
“I’m thankful that law enforcement was able to intervene and glad that no one was hurt. It’s incredibly disappointing to see career politicians behave this way while representing us in Sacramento. It’s yet another reminder that Orange County deserves new leadership, which is why I am running for Congress,” Ukropina said in a statement reported by the LA Times.
California State Senate President pro tempore Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) also commented on the incident to the LA Times.
“Like Senator Min, we’re disappointed in his actions, but pleased that he’s taken responsibility and apologized,” Atkins stated.
Following his arrest, Min is still campaigning for the districts of Irvine, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.
Frank Granda is a City News Intern for the spring 2023 quarter. He can be reached at grandaf@uci.edu.