Morning Note

California’s newly gerrymandered Congressional map means the state will likely send five new Democrats to the House of Representatives. One unusual candidate is vying to be one of them.

87-year-old slumlord and spousal abuse convict Mike Schaefer announced his candidacy to represent California’s 48th Congressional District this week, which Gavin Newsom’s Proposition 50 changed from a GOP stronghold to a left-leaning territory. Schaefer has a storied history, both personally and politically. 

The octogenarian has run for office approximately 33 times in the past six decades, usually losing badly. He has launched campaigns in California, Nevada, Maryland, and Arizona, including his 1971 bid for San Diego mayor when he earned 0.98% of the vote. He spent time behind bars for misdemeanor wife beating in the 90s and earned a reputation as a “millionaire slumlord” in the years prior. 

We’d be surprised if voters send Schaefer to Congress, but if they do, he won’t be the biggest freak in Washington. Remember Wilbur Mills? Plenty of similar stories exist today.

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