Full Breakdown
California Congressional Candidate Faces Backlash Over Photo Mistake
12/19/2025, 10:56:57 PM
Mistaken Endorsement Photo Sparks Controversy
Esther Kim Varet, a Democratic congressional candidate in California, has come under scrutiny after her campaign website mistakenly featured a photo of a different Black woman while promoting an endorsement from U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett. The error was rectified on Thursday afternoon following inquiries from Fox News Digital. Christian Martinez, the national Hispanic press secretary for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), criticized Varet on social media, labeling her as "racist," "arrogant," and "totally out of touch."
Varet's Campaign and Background
Varet, who owns Various Small Fires, a chain of art galleries located in Los Angeles, Dallas, and Seoul, is campaigning to unseat Republican Representative Young Kim in California’s 40th Congressional District. This district encompasses parts of Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Varet, the daughter of Korean immigrants, has previously made headlines for her controversial remarks about Kim, referring to her as an "ESL puppet" in a post that criticized the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Responses from Key Figures
In response to the photo incident, Varet's campaign has not issued a public statement. However, Young Kim has previously articulated her pride in her immigrant background, stating, "My story is not unique. It’s the story of so many Korean Americans and immigrants across the country who are proud Americans and are making our communities better every day." This sentiment highlights the complexities of identity and representation within the political landscape.
Criticism and Opposition
The NRCC has labeled Varet as "unhinged" following her past comments about Kim's English-speaking abilities. Additionally, Varet allegedly targeted Martinez personally, challenging his identity by demanding he "prove that you're a REAL Latino." Such remarks have intensified the scrutiny surrounding her campaign and raised questions about her approach to political discourse.
Implications of Redistricting
The controversy occurs against the backdrop of recent redistricting efforts in California, which aimed to create additional Democratic-leaning congressional seats. This redistricting was a response to a new map in Texas that sought to establish several more Republican-leaning districts. As Varet competes against Kim, who is also facing a primary challenge from Representative Ken Calvert, the dynamics of the newly configured district will play a crucial role in the upcoming election.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Racist. Arrogant. Totally out of touch. Good thing @estherkimvaret’s hate-filled, bigoted self isn’t getting anywhere near Congress,” — Christian Martinez, National Hispanic Press Secretary, NRCC
- “My story is not unique. It’s the story of so many Korean Americans and immigrants across the country who are proud Americans and are making our communities better every day. I’m proud of my accent and will keep using my voice to protect the American dream for future generations,” — Young Kim, U.S. Representative
This incident underscores the challenges candidates face in navigating identity politics and the potential repercussions of misrepresentation in political campaigns.
