Controversy Erupts Over Ammar Campa-Najjar's Campaign Memo on LGBTQ+ Electability

Ammar Campa-Najjar, a Democratic congressional candidate in Southern California, is facing significant backlash from LGBTQ+ leaders and party officials following the circulation of a campaign memo that critics argue implies LGBTQ+ candidates are unelectable. This controversy arises as Campa-Najjar campaigns against Marni von Wilpert, a bisexual San Diego City Councilmember, in the primary for the newly drawn 48th Congressional District.

The Advocate

The seven-page memo, which The Advocate obtained, discusses Palm Springs—a city with a prominent LGBTQ+ political community—describing it as a “critical constituency made up of reliable Democratic voters.” However, it claims that candidates Will Rollins, Christy Holstege, and Lisa Middleton, all members of the LGBTQ+ community, failed to win higher office due to their inability to connect with voters beyond Palm Springs. The memo further suggests that von Wilpert shares this same fate, stating she will struggle to appeal to Latino and veteran voters, who are considered swing voters in the district.

The Advocate

LGBTQ+ leaders have condemned the memo's implications, arguing that it recasts identity as a liability. Marni von Wilpert expressed that reading the memo was “heartbreaking,” particularly as it grouped her with candidates she has supported and suggested they could not win due to their LGBTQ+ identities. She emphasized that divisive rhetoric questioning the electability of LGBTQ+ candidates is detrimental, especially at a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under attack nationally.

The Advocate

Ryan Darsey, president of San Diego Democrats for Equality, highlighted that the memo establishes a troubling pattern by listing multiple LGBTQ+ candidates and implying their failures are linked to their identities. He described the language as “offensive” and warned that treating LGBTQ+ identity as a weakness undermines the party's progress.

The Advocate

Mark Takano, the chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus and one of the first openly gay members of Congress, supported von Wilpert's stance. He stated, “Our party wins when we build real coalitions rooted in respect and shared values, not when we echo the kind of divisive rhetoric that voters have grown tired of hearing.” Lisa Middleton also criticized the memo, asserting that disqualifying any American from candidacy is counterproductive to unifying the Democratic Party and the country.

The Advocate

The fallout from this controversy is unfolding in a district that Democrats view as essential for maintaining control in a closely divided House. As the primary approaches, the implications of Campa-Najjar's memo may significantly influence voter sentiment and the dynamics of the race. Von Wilpert has pointed out Campa-Najjar's history of losing previous campaigns, suggesting that his approach may not resonate with the electorate.

The Advocate

• “the last thing we need in a Democratic primary is this kind of divisive rhetoric that questions whether LGBTQ+ candidates are worthy and can win or connect with broad communities.” — Marni von Wilpert, San Diego City Councilmember

The Advocate

• “is not subtle. The only common thread among those candidates is that they are all LGBTQ.” — Ryan Darsey, President of San Diego Democrats for Equality

The Advocate

• “You cannot unify our party or our country by disqualifying any American from candidacy for public office.” — Lisa Middleton, Former Mayor of Palm Springs

The Advocate

• “When I ran for Congress, I heard the same anti-LGBTQ attacks — and I proved them wrong,” — Mark Takano, Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus

The Advocate