Friend—We have to talk about the LA Times.

Sometimes the nation’s 2nd-largest newspaper surprises me—they have some fantastic on-the-ground reporters, covering local events and issues and even writing an article about my run for Congress in 2022.

But this election cycle, when I have a great shot at winning this open seat, the Times has seemed more interested in pandering to those in power.

Last week, I was left out completely from an article on the race that mentioned “five Democrats with experience in elected office.” To be clear, I am currently holding elected office in the City of LA and have been since 2019. This is either extremely shady or extremely negligent journalism.

To top it off, in a “guide to California’s Congressional District 30 race” published yesterday, the other CA-30 candidates get a nice and chunky, descriptive paragraph while my description is simply “Pudlo, a trans activist, ran against Schiff in 2022, winning less than 30% of the vote.” No description of my accomplishments and an undeniably negative framing.

What the Times fails to mention is that I beat 7 other candidates in the 2022 primary and advanced to the General Election. 

Any of these other candidates would have been lucky to receive 28.9% of the vote against a 22-year incumbent with a campaign chest of over $15,000,000, but none of them had the political courage to run against an establishment incumbent. 

Our loyal base of progressive support will take us to the General Election next month despite the LA Times taking a don’t-bother stance.

Chip in now to help us prove that grassroots campaigning doesn’t need the official seal of institutional media:

More than just a “trans activist,” I’m here for all of you, trans and cis people alike.

In solidarity,

Maebe