Story perspectives

Democratic Candidate Faces Backlash for Misleading Endorsement Photo

12/19/2025

Summary

Story summary

Esther Kim Varet, a Democratic candidate, used a photo of a different Black woman to promote an endorsement from U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett.
The image was corrected after Fox News Digital questioned it.
Christian Martinez of the National Republican Congressional Committee called Varet "racist" and "arrogant."
Varet challenges Republican Rep. Young Kim in California's 40th District.
District lines were drawn to create Democratic-leaning seats after a redistricting measure.

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Story summary

Esther Kim Varet, a Democratic candidate, used a photo of a different Black woman to promote an endorsement from U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett.
The image was corrected after Fox News Digital questioned it.
Christian Martinez of the National Republican Congressional Committee called Varet "racist" and "arrogant."
Varet challenges Republican Rep. Young Kim in California's 40th District.
District lines were drawn to create Democratic-leaning seats after a redistricting measure.